Thunbergia atriplicifolia

Thunbergia atriplicifolia

Common Names

Natal Primrose (english)isiphondo esincane (zulu)

Taxonomy

Family ACANTHACEAE
Genus Thunbergia
Species atriplicifolia
SA Plant Number
Basionym Thunbergia atriplicifolia

Description

Thunbergia atriplicifolia is a hardy, deciduous softly hairy shrublet that arises from a tuberous underground root. The stems and clusters of soft, stalkless, grey green leaves are held upright although the stems grow along the ground. In summer it bears beautiful large, creamy yellow flowers that attract pollinating insects.

It grows wild in the grasslands where it helps to break the force of rain on exposed ground, therefore reducing soil erosion.

Makes a rewarding garden plant. Beautiful to add colour, texture and species diversity to a grassland.

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil in a grassland garden, rockery or even create beautiful containers with this plant.

Size up to 40cm

Wildlife

Plants for Pollinators: The flowers provide pollen for grassland insects in the summer months.

Uses

Landscaping: Beautiful addition to a grassland garden.

Traditional: Used in Traditional Medicine. Green fruits are used as a hairwash.

Distribution

Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga

Natural Habitat Grasslands, in sandy or loamy soil

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