Plants

Echinacea is the name of a group of flowering plants in the daisy family. Altogether, this group has nine species, but only three are used in herbal supplements — Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida. Both the plant’s upper parts and roots are used in tablets, tinctures, extracts and teas. Echinacea plants contain an […]

A close relative of the spider plant, Chlorophytum comosum, Chlorophytum saundersiae bears the same starry white flowers on long stems and long, grass-like foliage. However, this African native is tougher and can be grown outdoors all year. Chlorophytum saundersiae ‘Starlight’ is a variegated cultivar with cream leaves and deep green margins. In the summer months

Common Name: Chives Botanical Name: Allium schoenoprasum Allium schoenoprasum, widely known as Chives, are a small bulb-forming herbaceous plant that sports tall, thin green stems and produces pretty purple flowers. Chives are native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and they are cherished for their delicate onion-like flavor. This is a species of flowering plant that

Common Name: Catnip Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria Nepeta cataria, widely known as Catnip, is famous for its effects on cats, who are attracted to the plant due to its nepetalactone content. Native to Europe and Asia, Catnip is now found worldwide. Medicinally, Catnip is used by humans for its sedative effects, helping to relieve stress, anxiety,

Carpobrotus, commonly known as pigface, ice plant, sour fig, Hottentot fig, and clawberry is a genus of ground-creeping plants with succulent leaves and large daisy-like flowers. The name refers to the edible fruits. It comes from the Ancient Greek karpos “fruit” and brotos “edible”. Carpobrotus edulis is a very hardy, evergreen, succulent, drought-resistant, spreading groundcover that

Common Name: Bulbine Botanical Name: Bulbine frutescens  Bulbine frutescens, commonly known as Bulbine, is a succulent plant native to South Africa. It features fleshy, aloe-like green leaves and clusters of bright yellow or orange star-shaped flowers. Bulbine is admired for its drought tolerance and easy care, making it a favorite in rock gardens and succulent

Buddleja saligna is a very hardy, evergreen, fast-growing, drought-resistant small tree or large shrub for a small indigenous garden in Gauteng – especially if you are aiming for creating a living landscape with high biodiversity. It grows up to 800 mm per year. (Wildflower Nursery) In larger gardens, it is a quick screen plant, hedge or

Aptenia cordifolia is an evergreen and fast-growing succulent, often a short-lived perennial, 250 mm high. The roots are fleshy and thick. The succulent stems are four-angled or rounded, 600 mm long, and grow flat on the ground. Bladder or water cells are closely arranged on the surfaces of the stems and shine in the sunlight. The

Fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins and minerals that are good for your health. These include vitamins A (beta-carotene), C and E, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous and folic acid. Folic acid may reduce blood levels of homocysteine, a substance that may be a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Start bringing your diet more in line

Common Name: Grapes Botanical Name: Vitis vinifera Vitis vinifera, commonly known as Grapes, are versatile fruits belonging to the Vitaceae family. Originating around 8,000 years ago in what is now the Middle East, grapes are cultivated globally, primarily for wine production, but also enjoyed as fresh fruit, juice, and dried forms like raisins, currants, and