Eriocephalus africanus

Last updated

Cape snow bush
African Rosemary.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Eriocephalus
Species:
E. africanus
Binomial name
Eriocephalus africanus
L.
Synonyms [1]
  • Eriocephalus corymbosusMoench
  • Eriocephalus frutescensR.Br.
  • Eriocephalus paniculatusCass.
  • Eriocephalus racemosusGaertn. nom. illeg.
  • Eriocephalus septiferCass.
  • Eriocephalus septuliferDC.
  • Eriocephalus sericeusGaudich. ex DC.
  • Eriocephalus umbellulatusCass. nom. illeg.
  • Eriocephalus umbellulatusDC.
  • Eriocephalus variifoliusSalisb.
  • Monochlaena racemosaCass.
Eriocephalus africanus - detail of inflorescence Eriocephalus africanus IMG 5722s.JPG
Eriocephalus africanus - detail of inflorescence
Eriocephalus africanus detail of flowers Eriocephalus africanus detail of flower 2012 06 30 7160.JPG
Eriocephalus africanus detail of flowers
The common name "snow bush" refers to its appearance when covered either by felted seed heads or white flowers Eriocephalus africanus IMG 5718s.JPG
The common name "snow bush" refers to its appearance when covered either by felted seed heads or white flowers

Eriocephalus africanus is a bushy shrublet indigenous to South Africa. It has a wide distribution in the Western and Eastern Cape, and in Namaqualand. The plant has several common names in various languages. It is known as the Kapokbossie or Wild Rosemary (Afrikaans "wilde roosmaryn") referring to its fancied resemblance to rosemary. The superficial resemblance is in the foliage, which, though softer and not glossy, grows in a habit similar to that of the common Mediterranean rosemary, although the two species are not related.

Eriocephalus africanus is fragrant, with lightly felted foliage that gives the plant a matt silvery appearance. The inflorescences are small brown and pale yellow heads borne in corymbs; each head bears a few bisexual ray florets with abortive ovaries and snowy white petals that practically cover a bush in flower. The ray florets surround usually some four to eight female florets in the centre. [2]

Ecologically the plant is important to many insects as a source of nectar and pollen, and as a minor browse to flocks and antelope. Essential oil derived from E. africanus is used as an ingredient in medicinal and perfume products. The plant has been used in traditional medicine and in cooking. [3]

Essential oil

Essential oil extracts of E. africanus are prepared by steam distillation, and contain the following primary aroma components:

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References

  1. "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species" . Retrieved 11 February 2015.
  2. Dyer, R. Allen, The Genera of Southern African Flowering Plants”. ISBN   0 621 02854 1, 1975
  3. Watt, John Mitchell; Breyer-Brandwijk, Maria Gerdina: The Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of Southern and Eastern Africa 2nd ed Pub. E & S Livingstone 1962