Heliophila meaning ’sun’ and phílos, meaning “dear” or “beloved”, refers to the blooms opening in sun and closing at night or in overcast conditions.
Family: Brassicaceae (mustard family)
Common name: Wild flax
The majority of the species grow in the winter-rainfall Cape Floristic Region and this flowering plant can be seen along the paved path near the boat club entrance to Steenbok. The delicate flowers are purple or blue. The stems are green or purple with narrow leaves that taper from a narrow base to a very fine point.
