Nidorella ivifolia

This is a slender, pale-stemmed shrub with willowy branches that grows wild in the Park even among the aggressive Cotton grass. It has lanceolate shaped leaves which are toothed. The small flowers are relatively insignificant in comparison to the size of the plant – they are about 5mm in diameter. They are followed by feathery bristles seeds which are carried in the wind and therefore propagate the plant across Steenbok.

It is widespread from Clanwilliam to Zimbabwe.

The common name is Bakbos or Oondbos which means ovenbush or baking bush, was used in most households to sweep out and clean ovens. When the plants had dried it would be used to start fires. Its medicinal benefits include a tea made from the leaves to cure cold and flu.