Plectranthus fruticosus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Plectranthus
Species:
P. fruticosus
Binomial name
Plectranthus fruticosus
L'Hér. (1788)[1]
Synonyms
  • Germinea urticifolia Lam.
  • Plectranthus arthropodus Briq.
  • Plectranthus behrii Compton
  • Plectranthus charianthus Briq.
  • Plectranthus galpinii Schltr.
  • Plectranthus peglerae T.Cooke
  • Plectranthus urticifolius (Lam.) Salisb.

Plectranthus fruticosus, the forest spurflower, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to Mozambique, Eswatini, and South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal, Northern, and Cape provinces.[2] Growing up to 2 m (6.6 ft) tall, it is an erect evergreen shrub, with rounded, hairy leaves, and spikes of soft blue or mauve flowers in summer.

The Latin specific epithet fruticosus means “shrubby”.[3]

This plant is found throughout the Western Cape and Limpopo regions, enjoying the moist conditions and dappled shade of forest margins.[4]

It has a long history of cultivation in Europe, where it requires protection from freezing temperatures. Several cultivars are available, of which the pink-flowered ‘James’ has won the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[5][6]

References

  1. ^ "Plectranthus fruticosus L'Hér". The Plant List. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  2. ^ Plectranthus fruticosus L'Hér. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  3. ^ Harrison, Lorraine (2012). RHS Latin for Gardeners. United Kingdom: Mitchell Beazley. ISBN 184533731X.
  4. ^ "Plectranthus fruticosus". The Plant Library. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  5. ^ "RHS Plantfinder - Plectranthus fruticosus 'James'". Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  6. ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 79. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
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