Sky Blue flora now in the indigenous gardens of Steenbok Nature Reserve
plumbago (Eng.); blousyselbos (Afr.)
A large scrambling untidy shrub with clear blue flowers at the end of the branch tips. In summer, the bush is covered with glorious sky-blue flowers which are then followed by sticky hairy seeds.
This shurb is well known to attract sun-birds and butterflies.
Traditional remedies prepared from the roots or leaves are used to relieve headaches, treat fractures and wounds, and to remove warts.
The name Plumbago is derived from plumbum meaning lead, referring to it being a supposed cure for lead poisoning. Auriculata means ear-shaped and refers to the leaf base.
