Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Scrambling shrub, able to grow up to 1 - 3 m tall and with a spread of 2 - 3 m wide. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are obovate with crenulate margins, 10 to 25mm long, thin and light green in colour. |
| Flowers | Flowers are white, borne on rounded terminal clusters. |
| Etymology | Genus epithet 'Plumbago' derived from the Latin "plumbum" meaning "lead" (the metallic element). Named after a European species which was used to cure lead poisoning. Species epithet 'auriculata' from the Latin "auricula" meaning "ear", after the appendages at the base of each leaf which were deemed to be ear-shaped. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly-Attracting |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 30269 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4578 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
