Hermannia hyssopifolia, a plant used by the locals

The pokkiesblom, common name in Afrikaans of Hermannia hyssopifolia, becomes a robust shrub that branches strongly to achieve a spreading shape. When covered in spring flowers in its mainly winter rainfall habitat, it may present an impressive sight.

Several Hermannia species have flowers deserving of places in South African gardens. H. hyssopifolia has also made it in traditional medicine, and as an aromatic tea (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; iNaturalist; www.plantzafrica.com).