Petrocosmea sericea Family: Gesneriaceae Common Name(s): Grown by: Katherine Henwood, Pacifica rom China comes a whole array of beautiful African violet relatives that are sure to become widely grown in the future, as they are very attractive. This species has silky grey-green leaves and was smothered with lavender flowers with a dark purple throat. As in all Petrocosmeas, the upper two petals are fused together. The plant is a small, perfect rosette like a well-grown African violet. These plants are best in a cool greenhouse or a sheltered outdoor location as heavy rain would damage the leaves. Photo by Steve Morse