Distinct variety of Streptocarpus named Nicky

#The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Streptocarpus .times. hybridus known by the varietal name Nicky. The new cultivar is a mutation achieved through irradiation of Marna, formerly named Neptune Blue (U.S. Pat. No. 4,524).

#The new cultivar is most similar to Marna. However, Nicky has a more compact habit, i.e., shorter leaf length, shorter flower stem, more flowers/stem and a more intense petal color than Marna.

#The new cultivar was discovered in 1978 in Vaihingen, Federal Republic of Germany; was first asexually reproduced by cuttings in Vaihingen, Federal Republic of Germany; and has been asexually reproduced by cuttings at Oglevee Floral Company in Connellsville, Pa. It has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics through successive propagations.

#The accompanying drawing illustrates the new cultivar, the color being as nearly true as possible with color illustrations of this type.

#The following detailed description sets forth the characteristics of the new cultivar. The data which defines these characteristics were collected from asexual reproductions carried out by the Oglevee Floral Company in Connellsville, Pa. The plant history was taken on nine week plants blossomed under natural light in a greenhouse and color readings were taken indoors under 100 foot candles of cool white fluorescent light. Color references are primarily to the R.H.S. color chart of the Royal Horticultural Society of London. Some color reference is to Exotica III and such reference is duly noted.

#Botanical classification: Gesneriaceae (Family); Streptocarpus.times.hybridus (Genus.times.Species).

#Flower: