Eriocephalus Africana

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Botanical Name

Eriocephalus Africana

Family

Asteraceae - The daisy family.

Pronunciation

eh-ree-oh-SEF-ha-lus af-ri-KAHN-uh

Common Name(s)

Wild Rosemary, Wilderoosmaryn; Kapokbos;

Plant Group

Ground Cover A plant with a low-growing, spreading habit, grown specifically to cover the ground.
Shrub A woody plant of relatively low height, having several stems arising from the base and lacking a single trunk; a bush.

Plant Size

Small to Medium

Tree 8m to 15m

Shrub 75cm to 1m

Perennial/ground cover 20cm to 40cm

Bulb 30cm to 40cm

Succulent 20cm to 40cm

Position

Sun The area is in full sun for all or most of the day, all year round.

General Information

Evergreen Plants that have leaves all year round.
Frost: Hardy The plant can withstand freezing temperatures or frost without artificial protection.
Salt spray tolerant A plant with specific adaptations enabling it to grow in a saline environment.
Sand tolerant Plants adapted to survive in nutrient poor, very sandy soils.
Water Wise Plant species originating from low rainfall regions that require less water to survive and thrive than other plant species.

Specific Information

The fluffy, white seeds that develop after flowering cover the bush, giving rise to the Afrikaans common name Kapokbos, meaning 'snow bush'.
With its soft, grey foliage Wild rosemary is especially useful for planting in rock gardens.

Flowers

Description

Profusion of tiny, white blossoms.

Season

Winter Plants will seldom bloom for the entire season as given in the list, but should flower during a period within these parameters.

Colour

white

Growth Rate

Plant Uses

Attracts bees and other insects This plant attracts insects which can be food for birds or other creatures in your garden.
Border A strip of ground, at the edge of a driveway or path in which ornamental plants or shrubs are planted.
Edging A low growing plant that provides softness or definition to the edges of a bed or walkway.
Filler Either a fast growing tree or shrub used temporarily to fill in an area while the permanent plants grow to a desired size, or a plant used to fill gaps in borders or beds.
Ground Cover Low-lying plants that spread fast, require minimal maintenance, and cover large expanses or bare areas between bulbs or shrubs. They provide protection from erosion and drought and improve the visual appearance of the garden.
Hedge Suitable trees or shrubs planted relatively close together so that the branches intertwine to create a barrier. This can be formal – the plants are regularly trimmed to produce a neat shape, or informal – the plants are left to themselves to create a natural hedgerow.
Pioneer for new gardens A very fast growing plant, able to withstand hardship, that can be used to populate land that has recently been cleared of natural vegetation. These plants pave the way for slower-growing species by adding nutrients to the soil and creating leaf litter.
Rock Garden An area constructed of larger rocks, arranged naturally, to emphasise the use of stones as a main element. Generally plants used do not need a lot of care.
Stabilize Banks Plant is used to prevent soil erosion because their roots will form a mat that stabilizes the soil and keeps it from washing away in heavy rains.
Suitable for coastal gardens Plants adapted to dry, sandy soil, forceful wind, limited rainfall and intense sunlight.
Suitable for seaside gardens Plants that will survive the hostile environment of harsh salty winds, dry sandy soil, irregular rainfall and heat found in seaside gardens.
Suitable for smaller gardens Such plants do not have invasive root systems, remain small or controllable and can often be grown in containers.
Wild Garden An indigenous garden planted for the benefit of wildlife and birds. Provides food, water, a variety of mini-biomes and no poisonous chemicals are used.

Ad Break

Distribution

Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Namaqualand

Planting Suggestions

Wild Rosemary will grow in most garden soils. Add some compost when planting and mulch to retain moisture. Water when the soil is almost dry under the mulch, until the plant has settled, then reduce the amount of extra watering. Wild rosemary will need very little care after this. Prune lightly after the seeds have disappeared to prevent lanky growth. It can also be shaped into a hedge.

Medicinal Uses

Wild rosemary has traditionally been used as a medicine for coughs and colds, flatulence and colic, as a diuretic and a diaphoretic. A tea is made with 1 cup of boiling water and a sprig of wild rosemary.

Availability