Stachys aethiopica

Stachys aethiopica

Quantity:

Common Names

Katpisbossie (afrikaans)
African Stachys (english)
Bokhatha (sesotho)

Taxonomy

Family LAMIACEAE
Genus Stachys
Species aethiopica
SA Plant Number
Basionym Stachys aethiopica

Description

Stachys aethiopica is a very hardy, evergreen, spreading groundcover with beautiful pale green almost quilted leaves.

It bears spikes of small, white tubular flowers mainly in spring but with a few flowers almost all year round.  They attract a myriad of tiny insects to the garden which provide food for lizards and frogs.

An attractive groundcover that grows in both sun and shade.  Prune lightly and regularly to keep in shape.  As this is a widespread species it is variable and the form that we grow is not rampant but rather stays in neat little clusters. Plant in sun or semi-shade, in well-drained soil in hanging baskets, along borders or in containers.

Used medicinally.

Size 25 to 35cm

Wildlife

Insects:

The flowers of Stachys aethiopica attract a myriad of tiny pollinating insects, which are a valueable food source for lizards and frogs in the garden.

Uses

Landscaping:

Good plant for hanging baskets, along borders or in containers.

Distribution

KwaZulu Natal, Free State, Eastern Cape, Western Cape

Habitat:
Forest margin, Grassland

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