Chironia laxa

Common Names

Bitterwortel (afrikaans)
Cape Centaury (english)

Taxonomy

Family GENTIANACEAE
Genus Chironia
Species laxa
SA Plant Number
Basionym Chironia laxa

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Description

Chironia laxa is a hardy, evergreen, many-branched, low-growing, rounded shrublet with slender, linear little leaves.

This delightful plant bears an abundance of satiny, bright pink flowers with centrally-massed, yellow stamens from November to March. The flowers are borne at the tips of each branchlet. The ecology is interesting as it is ‘buzz pollinated’ by Carpenter bees (see Random Harvest's information on Buzz Pollination).

When planted together with one of the Helichrysum species with their grey leaves they make an amazing show.

Prune regularly to keep in shape. It needs regular watering in summer and will grow in seeps and on pond edges. Requires full sun to look it's best.

Size: up to 40 cm

Wildlife

Pollination:
Buzz pollinated by Carpenter Bees

Uses

Distribution

KwaZulu Natal, E. Cape

Attributes

Size: Small, Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Frost Hardiness: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Groundcovers and Perennials, Plant Type: Shrub, Position: Full Sun, Soil: Loamy Soil, Shape: Round, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Habitat: Damp grassland, Habitat: Ponds and dams, Habitat: Vlei or vlei margin, Drought Hardiness: Needs Watering

External Links

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