Nemesia fruticans

Nemesia fruticans, in Afrikaans commonly called the maagpynblommetjie (little stomach ache flower), is a small shrub or perennial herb growing erect stems from a woody base and a taproot to 40 cm in height.

Its summer flowers are often mauve, may also be white or pink. A prominent yellow bulge occurs at the base of the lower lip of the corolla.

The species is widespread in the southern, central to north-eastern parts of South Africa and in several neighbouring countries. The photo was taken in the Melville Koppies early in August.

The habitat is grassland, often on stony slopes. The species is not considered threatened in habitat early in the twenty first century.

Although this plant is a perennial, it is sometimes planted annually (Manning, 2009; Van Wyk and Malan, 1997; www.plantzafrica.com; http://redlist.sanbi.org).