Teucrium africanum
| Teucrium africanum | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Teucrium |
| Species: | T. africanum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Teucrium africanum | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Teucrium africanum, commonly called the Cape or African woodsage, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. It is endemic to South Africa.[2][3]
Description
This species is a small, greyish, bushy shrublet growing 10–30 cm (3.9–11.8 in) tall. The stems are simple or branched near the base and are covered in fine, glandular hairs, giving the plant a softly felted appearance.[4]
The leaves are sessile, grey-green, and 8–30 mm (0.31–1.18 in) long, usually divided into three narrow lobes; these lobes are linear to narrowly oblong, 5–25 mm (0.20–0.98 in) long and 1–3 mm (0.039–0.118 in) wide, with smooth, slightly rolled margins and a light covering of hairs.[4]
The flowers are borne in a leafy, terminal panicle. They are white, with a greyish calyx 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long and a small corolla 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) long. The stamens project well beyond the flower, extending by about 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in).[4]
Identification
Teucrium africanum overlaps with Teucrium trifidum in the Eastern Cape, from about Makhanda to Komani. It is markedly shorter than the latter, however, and it usually has solitary flowers rather than clusters of three to seven.[4]
Distribution and habitat
This species is found in arid conditions from Bredasdorp in the Western Cape through the Klein Karoo to near Makhanda and inland to Middelburg and Graaff-Reinet.[4]
See also
Notes
- ^ "Paddaklou". Red List of South African Plants. SANBI. Retrieved 2026-01-26.
- ^ a b "Teucrium africanum Thunb". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
- ^ Klopper, R. R.; Winter, P. J. D., eds. (20 March 2025). "The South African National Plant Checklist: 2025 official yearly release". South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). Retrieved 21 January 2026.
- ^ a b c d e Codd, L. E. W.; Dyer, R. A.; Rycroft, H. B.; de Winter, B. (1985). Flora of Southern Africa: The Republic of South Africa, Basutoland, Swaziland and South West Africa. Vol. 28. Govt. Printer. pp. 9–10. ISBN 0-621-08268-6.
External links
- SANBI Biodiversity Advisor
Data related to Teucrium africanum at Wikispecies