Common Name: Purple Coneflower Botanical Name: Echinacea Echinacea, or Purple Coneflower, is renowned for its health benefits and vibrant appearance. This North American native features large, daisy-like flowers with raised, purple-pink petals and a central cone. Medicinally, Echinacea is widely used to boost the immune system and help reduce the symptoms and duration of colds. […]
Common Name: Rock Rose Botanical Name: Echeveria Echeveria, often called Rock Rose, encompasses a large genus of flowering succulents known for their rosette shape and beautiful, symmetrical form. Native to semi-desert regions of Central America, Mexico, and South America, they are popular in rock and succulent gardens. While not known for medicinal uses, Echeveria species
Common Name: Foxglove Botanical Name: Digitalis purpurea Digitalis purpurea, known as Foxglove, is a stunning biennial or short-lived perennial that produces tall spikes of purple-pink flowers. It is native to Europe and recognized for its striking appearance and role in traditional medicine. Medicinally, Foxglove is the source of the drug digoxin, used to treat heart
Common Name: Chalk Finger Botanical Name: Cotyledon orbiculata ‘Grey Finger’ Cotyledon orbiculata ‘Grey Finger’, commonly referred to as Chalk Finger, is a distinctive succulent with grey-green leaves edged in red. Native to South Africa, this plant is appreciated for its unique appearance and minimal care requirements. In traditional uses, the sap from Chalk Finger is
Common Name: Vetiver Botanical Name: Chrysopogon zizanioides Chrysopogon zizanioides, commonly called Vetiver, is a perennial bunchgrass of the Poaceae family, native to India. It is renowned for its deep root system, which helps prevent soil erosion and stabilizes slopes. Medicinally, Vetiver is used in traditional medicine to treat emotional disturbances and to cool the body
Common Name: Antherica Botanical Name: Chlorophytum saundersiae Chlorophytum saundersiae, known as Antherica, is an ornamental plant favored for its arching green leaves and striking white flower spikes. Native to South Africa, it’s commonly used in hanging baskets and as an indoor plant due to its tolerance of low light conditions. Medicinally, while not widely known,
Common Name: Red Valerian Botanical Name: Centranthus ruber Centranthus ruber, also known as Red Valerian, is a perennial plant that produces dense clusters of vibrant red or pink flowers. Native to the Mediterranean region, it’s popular in ornamental gardens for its ability to attract butterflies and its tolerance of poor soil conditions. Medicinally, Red Valerian
Common Name: Dagga Botanical Name: Cannabis sativa Cannabis sativa, widely known as Dagga in some regions, is a versatile plant with a broad range of uses, from medicinal to recreational. It features distinctive serrated leaves and is famed for its psychoactive properties due to compounds like THC and CBD. Medicinally, Cannabis Sativa is used to
Common Names: Sagewood, Butterfly Bush, Mountain Sage Botanical Name: Buddleja salviifolia Buddleja Salviifolia, or Sagewood, is recognized for its decorative leaves and clusters of purple flowers that emit a strong, sweet fragrance. Native to South Africa, this plant is a popular choice in gardens and wild landscapes alike. In traditional medicine, Sagewood has been utilized
Common Name: False Olive Botanical Name: Buddleja saligna Buddleja saligna, commonly known as False Olive, is a South African native shrub that produces small, fragrant white flowers. It’s highly regarded for its fast growth and the sweet scent that attracts many pollinators, including butterflies and bees. Medicinally, the False Olive has been used in traditional
