In late 2015, Kanae Nishii and others published an article redefining Streptocarpus to include all Afro-Malagasy Gesneriaceae. Under this merger, which was based on geographical distribution, basic chromosome numbers (N = 15), morphological traits and DNA evidence, a single large genus Streptocarpus emerged. This genus was divided into two subgenera and twelve sections. African violets were positioned as section Saintpaulia under subgenus Streptocarpella. The two taxa described by Haston, Mejissa and Watkins were given species status based on DNA evidence that was lacking in the Christenhusz study. The subspecies designations described by Darbyshire were also largely maintained. Some names have had endings altered for the correct use of Latin endings. (e.g. ionantha to ionanthus).
The current species designations are
(Str. = Streptocarpus):
The subspecies under Str. ionanthus are:
Subsp. ionanthus variety ionanthus
Subsp. ionanthus variety diplotrichus