Anchusa capensis

Common Names

Vergeetmynietjie (afrikaans)
Cape Forget-me-not (english)

Taxonomy

Family BORAGINACEAE
Genus Anchusa
Species capensis
SA Plant Number
Basionym Anchusa capensis

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Description

Anchusa capensis is a drought hardy annual or bi-annual that grows vigorously, is upright, and has bright green, rough leaves and stems. It has a fairly weedy appearance.

The stems of brilliant blue flowers are borne throughout Spring and Summer and into Autumn. Each little blue flower is beautiful when looked at closely. They have a white feathery centre (these are actually scales that protect the reproductive parts of the flower). A host of pollinating insect species, including butterflies are attracted to the flowers.

Plant the Cape Forget-me-not in amongst Namaqualand Daisies, or where it can contrast beautifully with yellow, pink or white flowered plant species. It has been recorded as a useful plant in traditional medicine, as well as a dye being made from the flowers. The leaves are also eaten as as a type of "spinach" by the Sesotho people.

A very easy plant to grow. Plant in full sun, in open ground, where it will seed itself readily. It can get a bit rampant and scraggly after the growing season, so needs cutting back. Plant in well drained soil.

Size: to 50cm

Wildlife

Uses

Edible:
Eaten as a type of spinach by the Sesotho peopleDye:
A dye can be made from the flowersLandscaping:
Beautiful bright blue flowers excellent addition to flowering meadow garden.

Distribution

Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and into Namibia and Lesotho

Attributes

Size: Small, Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Frost Hardiness: Fairly Hardy, Plant Type: Groundcovers and Perennials, Position: Afternoon Sun, Position: Full Sun, Position: Morning Sun, Position: Semi-shade, Soil: Loamy Soil, Soil: Sandy Soil, Soil: Well-drained, Edible: Edible, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Groundcover, Garden Uses: Rockeries and retaining walls, Habitat: Disturbed areas, Habitat: Sandy slopes, Drought Hardiness: Drought Hardy

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