For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Drakensberg scabious (Scabiosa drakensbergensis)

 Family Dipsacaceae
A bushy scabiosa with large soft green leaves and beautiful, pure white, ball-like inflorescences with flowers packed tightly at the tips of long delicate hollow stems – the shy flowerer of this family but a ‘Princess' none the less.
Ecology
Flowers are popular with insects, particularly with bees and butterflies, which in turn attract insectivorous birds— so, this is a wonderful plant to have in a Birds, Butterflies and Bees Garden.
Uses and cultural aspects
Leaves and roots of Scabiosa are known to have medicinal uses. But this scabiosa's value is mainly horticultural. All scabiosa flowers last well in a vase.
Information from: http://www.plantzafrica.com