Optimara Violet Glossary: I

ICBN: See International Code of Botanical Nomenclature.

Idaho: Optimara variety. Small, standard African Violet (4-inch pot size) with single, bi-color flowers. Flowers are dark blue with a white edge. Leaves are medium green. Introduced 1995. (AVSA Reg. No. 8316) More information.

Illinois: Optimara variety. Large, standard African Violet (4-inch pot size). Flowers are pink stars. Leaves are dark green. Introduced 1987. (AVSA Reg. No. 6559) More information.

Ilona: Rhapsodie variety. Small standard African Violet (4-inch pot size) with two-tone pink flowers and medium green leaves. Introduced 1997. More information.

Inca: Optimara miniature variety. See Little Inca Girl.

Inconspicua: See Saintpaulia inconspicua.

Indian Summer: See Little Indian.

Indiana: Optimara variety. Medium, standard African Violet (4-inch pot size) with single, two-tone pink flowers and medium green leaves. Introduced 1987. Improved 1991. (AVSA Reg. No. 6560 and 7486) More information.

Indirect Toxicity Effect: See Toxicity Effect.

Inflorescent Culture: Method of propagation. See Tissue Culture.

Ingrid (1): Rhapsodie variety. Medium, standard African Violet (4-inch pot size). Flowers are pink stars. Leaves are medium green. More information.

Ingrid (2): Holtkamp variety (Europe). Medium, standard African Violet (4-inch pot size) with single, blue flowers and medium green leaves. Available in the U.S. as Margit.

Inorganic: Technically, describes any chemical compound which does not contain carbon. In general usage, inorganic often describes a substance which does not occur naturally. Also see Inorganic Fertilizer.

Inorganic Fertilizer: A fertilizer which is produced from non-living sources, i.e., elements mined from geological sources. Because of the way inorganic fertilizers are processed, they tend to provide very predictable results and, in comparison to organic fertilizers, are generally more efficient in supplying plants with the proper balance of nutrients.

Insecticide: Pesticide used to control insects which feed on African Violets and other plants. In its exact meaning, an insecticide kills insects. However, the term more generally applies to any substance which controls insects. As such, an insecticide may only deter insects without actually killing them. Insecticides react with insects in different ways. Some are formulated as poisons which are applied superficially to a plant, where they remain until ingested by feeding insects. Other insecticides are formulated to act as contact pesticides or systemics. Examples of synthetic insecticides include Acephate, Diazinon, Dimethoate and Malathion. Examples of organic insecticides include Neem. Many general use or household insecticides are formulated as aerosols or baits. Other insecticides, especially those used by commercial growers, are formulated as emulsifiable concentrates, soluble powders and wettable powders. For control of related pests, see Miticide and Nematicide.

Intermedia: See Saintpaulia intermedia.

International Code of Botanical Nomenclature: (ICBN) The taxonomic code which governs the classification of plants. Classifications include genus and species. Also see Taxonomy.

International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants: A supplement to the ICBN specifically covering the rules of taxonomy for cultivated plants. Taxonomic classifications for cultivated plants include genus, species and variety. Also see Taxonomy.

Internode: The area on a stem between nodes.

Interveinal Chlorosis: A form of chlorosis in which the yellowing of leaves occurs primarily between the veins. Interveinal chlorosis is most often associated with an imbalance of essential element.

Ionantha: See Saintpaulia ionantha.

Iowa: Optimara variety. Medium, standard African Violet (4-inch pot size) with single, blue flowers and medium green leaves. Introduced 1988. (AVSA Reg. No. 6952) More information.

Irene: Rhapsodie variety. Medium, standard African Violet (4-inch pot size) with single, bi-color flowers. Flowers are purple and white. Leaves are medium green. Introduced 1988. (AVSA Reg. No. 6983) More information.

Iron: (Fe) Essential element for the growth and vitality of African Violets. A micronutrient. As a catalyst in the production of chlorophyll, iron is important for the development of green leaves and stems. It is also vital to the function of photosynthesis.

Iron Deficiency: Condition which describes an African Violet that is not getting enough iron. Among other symptoms, a deficiency of iron can cause interveinal chlorosis of the leaves. More information.

IsaBelle: Optimara variety. Medium, standard African Violet (4-inch pot size) with bell, pink flowers and medium green leaves. Introduced 2006 in the Belle Series.

Isopods: Arthropods sometimes found on or around African Violets. Isopods are gray with shell-like bodies. They have seven pairs of legs and measure 1/4 to 1/2 inch in length. Common species include Pillbugs and Sowbugs. Pillbugs can be distinguished by their tendency to roll up into a ball when threatened. While sometimes considered a nuisance, Isopods do very little damage to African Violets. More information.

Izumi: Holtkamp variety (Europe). Medium, standard African Violet (4-inch pot size) with single, lilac flowers and medium green leaves. Available in the U.S. as Connecticut.

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