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

Monday, May 21, 2012

Common Heliotrope (Heliotropium steudneri)

 Family Boraginaceae
This is a small plant growing to maybe 80cm (24”) and found in grasslands in the northern regions.
The flowers are found in lobes at the top of the stalks.
 Generic name is from the Greek helios (the sun) and trope (to turn) referring to the old belief that the spikes turn with the sun.