Blue-bells (Trichodesma angustifolium)

Family Boraginaceae

Dainty pale blue flowers, turning pink with age, cover bushes of Trichodesma angustifolium subsp. angustifolium in springtime, especially after fire. These blue-bells with much smaller flowers than their well-known sister species, the chocolate-bells, T. physaloides, are delicate and attractive.

Description


Trichodesma angustifolium subsp. angustifolium is a perennial herb with annual stems from a woody rootstock. Rounded bushes up to 0.5 m high and 2.0 m in diameter and a roughly appressed indumentum (covering of hairs) characterize the species.


The leaves are narrowly linear, ± 20-50 x 3-6 mm. The inflorescences are borne terminally. The calyx of the flowers is winged, enlarging in fruit and the corolla is ± 9-15 mm long, the lobes triangular, long acuminate, often twisted, and deep blue. Flowering time: from October to May.


The fruit consists of 4 nutlets.

 Conservation status

Currently Trichodesma angustifolium subsp. angustifolium is not threatened. However, the grasslands are threatened by human impact and this may change its status in future.

Distribution and habitat

The genus is widespread in southern Africa and is represented in various vegetation types ranging from grassland and savanna to succulent shrubland, mainly in the Grassland and Savanna Biomes. All southern African species extend further north into Africa. Trichodesma angustifolium subsp. angustifolium is disjunct in its distribution in southern Africa and is found in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa (Northern Province, North-West, Gauteng, Free State, northern KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Cape) and Mozambique. Blue-bells grow on red, sandy loam and stony soils. This species is essentially found in the moist summer rainfall areas of southern Africa.

Derivation of name and historical aspects

The name Trichodesma is derived from the Greek words, thrix or trikhos (hair), and desme (band or bundle), alluding to the twisted hairs or awns that terminate the anthers. The species name is a reference to the relatively narrow leaves.

The genus Trichodesma is a member of the family Boraginaceae (forget-me-nots), comprising about 45 species from the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australia. In southern Africa, five species and three subspecies are recognized. The related T. physaloides occurs in the same area as this species.

The related T. physaloides (Chocolate Bells) occurs in the same area as this species.

 T. angustifolium subsp. angustifolium is closely related to T. africanum from the drier western parts of southern Africa.


T. angustifolium subsp. argenteum differs from the typical subspecies in its silver-grey appearance due to a dense covering of hair and its distribution in northern Namibia.

Ecology

With sturdy, often very old, fire-resistant rootstocks and mass seed production after fire-stimulated flowering, this species is well adapted to survive unfavourable conditions. Most fire-stimulated plants do flower in the absence of fire, but not as profusely as they would after a fire. Plants reach a considerable age and large rootstocks may be more than a century old.

A prominent feature of the flower is the calyx, which is strongly enlarged in fruit. The plant sheds the nutlet(s) with the calyx and style attached. The entire floral structure is relatively light and serves as a dispersal unit. Blue-bells are subject to winter drought, regular natural fires and frost.

 Uses and cultural aspects

It is used medicinally by grinding the dried root into a fine powder and adding it to cold water for treating diarrhoea.

Growing Trichodesma angustifolium subsp. angustifolium

This plant is not in general cultivation, probably because it does not flower well unless subjected to fire (intense heat). It presents a challenge to the keen gardener to create a suitable environment for it.

Info: http://www.plantzafrica.com/planttuv/trichodesangust.htm

Monkey Thorn (Acacia galpinii)

Family Mimosoideae

This is a large tree with luxuriant, light green foliage, making it ideal for a big garden, avenue or park. It is also valued by farmers.

Description

Acacia galpinii is a deciduous tree, losing its leaves during the southern African winter (April-July). It is fast-growing and can reach 25-30 m. Creamy to light yellow flowers appear during the growing season (September-October). Reddish to purplish brown pods ripen during February-March. Acacia galpinii is often confused with Acacia polyacantha from which it can be distinguished by the gland on the leaf stalk: small in A. galpinii and large in A. polyacantha.

Distribution

Monkey-thorn grows naturally in open, wooded grassland, open woodland and often near streams. It is indigenous to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, northern and eastern Botswana and South Africa. In South Africa, Acacia galpinii occurs naturally in Limpopo [Northern Province] and the North-West. It is seen as an indicator of sweet veld, which retains its nutritional value in winter.

 Name derivation:

The name Acacia is derived from the Greek word 'akis', meaning a point or a spike, referring to the thorns in many Acacia species. The South African species are armed with spines. Most of introduced species from Australia are spineless. The species was named in honour of Ernest Galpin (1854-1941), a plant collector. Monkeys like taking cover in its wide branches and may also eat the pods and seeds, hence the common name.

There are about 1 340 species in this genus of which 954 are indigenous to Australia, 230 to the Americas, 129 to Africa and some species scattered in Asia. This very large, pan-tropical genus occurs mainly in dry country.

 Ecology and uses

Many insects such as bees and wasps visit the flowers. Ripe fruit pods burst open, releasing the seeds. Seeds are also dispersed by animals eating the pods.

Acacia galpinii is one of the trees that can survive hot and dry conditions. It makes a stunning tree along roads where there is enough space. It is an ideal tree for a big garden. In the wild the plant is grazed and used for shade during the hot summer by different animals including giraffe, kudu and elephant. Many birds often prefer nesting in this tree as it provides protection. It provides dappled shade on hot summer days, making it an ideal tree for planting on a lawn where some sun can penetrate.

 Growing Acacia galpinii

Monkey-thorn is easy to propagate from seed that is not parasitized. Like other plants belonging to the Fabaceae, seed of this tree must be soaked in hot water overnight and then sown the next day. Seed must be sown in a seedling tray filled with river sand. To avoid unnecessary moisture loss, the seed can be covered with vermiculite. Seedlings are fairly fast-growing but must be protected from frost probably for the first growing season. Although it is frost-tolerant, severe frost often kills off tender young branches. The tree prefers full sun. Do not plant it too close to buildings as it has extensive roots.

Info: http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/acaciagalpin.htm

Doll's Rose (Hermannia depressa)

Family Malvaceae

Hermannia Species:

A very diverse and attractive group of plants with highly ornamental flowers, fitting into a variety of habitats and growth forms, hermannias are the little porcelain bells of the South African veld. These plants have high horticultural potential yet are sadly undervalued as a garden plant. In this issue, a few striking species of this genus will be discussed.

Description:
Hermannia is a genus of small shrubs, ranging from upright to sprawling prostrate shrublets. They are charachterized by the presence of minute glandular or star-like hairs on the leaves and stems. The stems often have a dark grey bark. Leaves are alternate and entire, lobed or incised. Flowers consist of 5 petals which are slightly or very strongly spirally twisted into an upended rose. Most Hermannia species posess a thick woody stem and root, forming an underground stem, which enables the plants to survive dry periods and fires. In the veld, hermannias appear woody, some species being very palatable to stock and browsed down to the main branches.

Conservation status:

 taxonomic study of the genus has shown that a surprising number of species have a very limited distribution. This indicates that these distinct species are very restricted, giving rise to their diversity, but also making them more vulnerable in the case of over-utilization and disturbance.

Hermannias are generally common and not threatened. They have no specific value for collection, neither for the horticultural, nor medicinal trade.

Distribution
The genus consists of 154 species, which have a distribution mainly across the Flora of southern Africa area. There are 141 South African species alone, of which 81 are endemic to South Africa (occuring in South Africa only). The genus is also found in Madagascar, and extends through tropical East Africa (14 species, some shared with southern Africa) to North East Africa (four species, possibly more) and Arabia (one species, also found in Egypt and Sudan ). A single species ( Hermannia tigrensis ) is found in western Africa as well as southern Africa and North East Africa. There are three species in northern Mexico and adjacent parts of the United States, a single species in southern Mexico, and a single species in Australia. The greatest diversity is within the Western and Northern Cape and Namibia.

Ecology

Hermannias possess strong, thick, rootstocks and underground stems, which enable them to withstand fires in the highveld and overcome times of severe drought in arid areas. They are mostly very palatable to stock and small game, and are generally heavily grazed. Some species are an indication of good veld.

Economic and cultural value

Many members of the genus are used medicinally, for anything ranging from respiratory diseases, coughs and internal aches, as stimulants or purgatives, to soothing wounds and cuts. The common name pleisterbos ( Hermannia cuneifolia ) refers to the use of the leaves as plasters. In some plants the leaves are infused in a tea, and used to clean the blood. A root infusion was used by the early European colonial settlers against epilepsy. A lotion of the leaf was used for eczema and shingles. Certain species have magical significance and are used to drive out spirits and to wash the divining bones. H. depressa is used as a protective charm by the Zulus. H. hysopifolia is used in making an aromatic tea. Only one species has been found to be toxic to stock ( H. tomentosa ), but it is doubtful whether animals will browse this plant in the veld.

H. depressa N.E.Br.

Rooi-opslag (Afr.)
Herb with stems and leaves flat on the ground and spreading from a woody perennial taproot. They often grow clumped in patches. The leaves are carried on short stalks, are generally large and show a purplish to reddish brown tinge. The flowers are drooping, from short erect stalks, and vary in colour between orange, pinkish, mauve and yellow-cream. Distribution: common in grassland in the Highveld.

Info: http://www.plantzafrica.com/planthij/hermannia.htm

Poison Gooseberry (Withania somnifera)

Family Solanaceae

 Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, Indian ginseng, poison gooseberry, or winter cherry, is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family.

 Several other species in the genus Withania are morphologically similar. It is used as a herb in Ayurvedic medicine.

 The flowers are small and green, while the ripe fruit is orange-red and has milk-coagulating properties. 

 The plant's long, brown, tuberous roots are used for medicinal purposes.

 The berries can be used as a substitute for rennet, to coagulate milk in cheese-making. Traditional medicinal uses.

 In Ayurveda, the berries and leaves of W. somnifera are locally applied to tumors, tubercular glands, carbuncles, and ulcers.

 The roots of W. somnifera are used to prepare the herbal remedy ashwagandha, which has been traditionally used to treat various symptoms and conditions

Information from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withania_somnifera  


Identification by: Johan Baard http://www.ispot.org.za/node/158694

Wild Morning Glory (Ipomoea crassipes)

 Family Convolvulaceae

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

 This plant is suitable for growing indoors.

 Many herbivores avoid morning glories such as Ipomoea, as the high alkaloid content makes these plants unpalatable, if not toxic. Nonetheless, Ipomoea species are used as food plants by the caterpillars of certain Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths).

 Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

 Suitable for growing in containers

Kransplakkie (Crassula sericea)

Family Crassulaceae

Although this plant is not from South Africa, it is very popular in most of our gardens.

Crassula sericea var. sericea is a common cliff-dwelling succulent shrublet in southern Namibia and in the lower Gariep (Orange River) region in the Northern Cape.

Flowering time : Crassula sericea var. sericea flowers mainly during Winter (May–August).

Distribution and habitat

Crassula sericea var. sericea is found in the lower Gariep (Orange River) Valley from Kakamas in the east to the Richtersveld (Northern Cape, South Africa) in the west and in the Hunsberg, Karasberg and Witputz regions of Namibia. The plants are confined to sheer cliff faces, up to about 800 m in altitude, where they grow in crevices with shallow soil, mainly on quartzitic sandstone rock formations. Temperatures in the region are high during summer and mild in winter. Rainfall in the western Richtersveld region occurs mainly during winter (cyclonic winter rain) and in the eastern part (Bushmanland) mainly during summer. It ranges between 75–250 mm per annum. Plants grow on shady rocky ledges in shallow soil. The associated vegetation consists of Succulent Karoo and Desert biomes. The Richtersveld and the adjacent territory is a centre of endemism for the family Crassulaceae to which the species belongs (many species are confined to this region). In the upper reaches of the Gannakouriep River (Ai-Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier National Park) Crassula sericea var. sericea was found growing with other cliff-dwelling succulent plants such as Tylecodon ellaphieae, Aloe meyeri, Bulbine pendens and Ornithogalum suaveolens.

 Derivation of name and historical aspects

Crassula sericea var. sericea was named by Selmar Schonland in 1910 from plants collected by the German plant explorer, Rudolph Schlechter. The Latin epithet 'sericea', pertains to the dense silky hairs on the leaves of the species.

Crassula sericea var. sericea is one of about 170 Crassula species occurring in South Africa and Namibia, and belongs to the Stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). It is closely related to C. sericea var. velutina and C. sericea var. hottentotta. Crassula sericea var. velutina has larger flattened leaves with velvety hairs and flowers from September to November (Spring flowering). Crassula sericea var. hottentotta has rounded leaves similar to those of var. sericea but not brittle and it can also be distinguished by its leaf surface which bears coarse rounded papillae, and is thus not hairy as in the other varieties. The plants also flower during winter (June–August).

 Ecology

Plants have a clustered and compact growth against the cliff (cliff hugger) and are well adapted to the sheer habitat. They are winter growers, the leaves are brittle and when becoming dislodged, will root in crevices establishing new clones. The grey-green very succulent leaves covered with short spreading hairs are an adaptation to the dry habitat. The small white flowers are pollinated by insects.

Uses and cultural aspects

No uses have been recorded.

Information from: http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/crassulaseriseri.htm

Sandpaper Raisin (Grewia flavescens)

Family Malvaceae

COMMON NAMES: Egyptian Carissa, Donkey Berry

DESCRIPTION: A spiny, much branched, evergreen, small tree, shrub or scrambler, up to 5 m in height, with a milky sap. Bark grey, smooth, young branchlets with or without hairs, spines simple, straight, 2-5 cm long, usually single.

It attracts many butterflies, birds and pollen gathering insects. These trees or shrubs are often seen in groups along the edges of roads, river banks and dry rivers, growing in large uniform groups.

USE: The fruits are sweet, pleasant to eat and also made into jam. The tree is browsed by goats and camels. Wood is used as fuel. The roots, bark and leaves have medicinal properties. Roots contain an active ingredient, carissin, that may prove useful in the treatment of cancer. The tree is planted as an ornamental and the abundant branching habit and the presence of spines make the plant suitable for planting as a protective hedge.

Human uses - The fruit is edible, the wood used for sticks and knobkieries and young branchlets are used to weave baskets.

GROWING PERIOD: Perennial. In southern Africa flowering occurs from September to December and fruiting from November to January.

FURTHER INF: It is found in Arabia and reaches through Senegal to Cameroon and throughout the drier parts of tropical Africa to the Transvaal, Botswana and north and northeast Namibia. Also found across Asia to Indo-China.

It is a tree of deciduous forest, coastal thickets, warm bush-land and scrub. It is often found growing on termite-mounds at elevations from 900 to 1300 m. In Uganda it is usually found in wooded grassland, especially in low-lying areas and also in thickets in woodlands, forest edges and secondary scrub. It prefers dryish conditions.

Identified by Judd Kirkel http://www.ispot.org.za/node/158520

Info: http://ecocrop.fao.org/ecocrop/srv/en/cropView?id=4225