Zaluzianskya distans

Zaluzianskya distans, commonly known as the sparse-flowered drumsticks, is a short-lived, often prostrate perennial that can reach about 45 cm in height. The leafy stems are covered in long white hairs and become sparsely branched with age.

The leaves are variably ovate with irregularly toothed margins, measuring between 2 cm and 6 cm in length and 1 cm to 3 cm in width.

The species is distributed in the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal, the eastern Free State and, to a lesser extent, in Mpumalanga.

Its habitat consists of very moist grassland at higher elevations, often among rocks under basalt cliffs, in partial shade and near mountain streams. The plant is rare. While it has no known threats, the status of the habitat population is unknown (Pooley, 1998; Trauseld, 1969; iNaturalist; http://redlist.sanbi.org).