Plectranthus ecklonii flowering well

This thriving flowerbed of Plectranthus ecklonii plants was seen in Kirstenbosch during March. Happy to form the understorey of shade trees, P. ecklonii (and some of the other indigenous Plectranthus species) may find favour in the smaller garden as well and deserve the chance.

About 45 species of Plectranthus grow in South Africa; 300 worldwide, mainly in Africa, Australia, India and Arabia.

Plant parts of P. ecklonii have served in traditional medicine in the treatment of headaches. In flower the view alone may perform such function for some (Pooley, 1998).