Status:
valid
Authors:
P.O.Karis
Source:
tro
Year:
2008
Citation Micro:
Bothalia 38(1): 65 (-67; fig. 1, map) (2008)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001285990
Common Names
- Metalasia helmei
- Helmei Metalasia
- Helmei Bush
Description
Metalasia helmei (also called Metalasia helmei, among many other common names) is a small shrub native to South Africa. It has small, bright green leaves and white flowers. It grows in dry grasslands and scrubland.
Uses & Benefits
Metalasia helmei is used as an ornamental plant, as a groundcover, and for erosion control. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Metalasia helmei are small, white, and tubular. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
Cultivation and Propagation
Metalasia helmei is a hardy, evergreen shrub that grows up to 2 m in height. It is best propagated by seed, which should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil in a warm, sunny location. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are about 15 cm tall. The shrub should be watered regularly, and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once a year.
Where to Find Metalasia helmei
Metalasia helmei is native to South Africa. It can be found in dry grasslands and along streams.
Species in the Metalasia genus
Metalasia capitata,
Metalasia calcicola,
Metalasia galpinii,
Metalasia muraltiifolia,
Metalasia fastigiata,
Metalasia quinqueflora,
Metalasia dregeana,
Metalasia umbelliformis,
Metalasia agathosmoides,
Metalasia bodkinii,
Metalasia rhoderiodes,
Metalasia pungens,
Metalasia oligocephala,
Metalasia erubescens,
Metalasia juniperoides,
Metalasia divergens,
Metalasia cymbifolia,
Metalasia montana,
Metalasia rogersii,
Metalasia alfredii,
Metalasia pallida,
Metalasia densa,
Metalasia humilis,
Metalasia serrata,
Metalasia erectifolia,
Metalasia plicata,
Metalasia seriphiifolia,
Metalasia brevifolia,
Metalasia octoflora,
Metalasia acuta,
Metalasia tenuis,
Metalasia confusa,
Metalasia cephalotes,
Metalasia tenuifolia,
Metalasia tricolor,
Metalasia lichtensteinii,
Metalasia pulcherrima,
Metalasia albescens,
Metalasia cephalotes,
Metalasia riparia,
Metalasia adunca,
Metalasia trivialis,
Metalasia muricata,
Metalasia aurea,
Metalasia massonii,
Metalasia distans,
Metalasia luteola,
Metalasia pulchella,
Metalasia phillipsii,
Metalasia strictifolia,
Species in the Asteraceae family
Aaronsohnia pubescens,
Aaronsohnia factorovskyi,
Abrotanella filiformis,
Abrotanella rostrata,
Abrotanella linearis,
Abrotanella trilobata,
Abrotanella muscosa,
Abrotanella inconspicua,
Abrotanella trichoachaenia,
Abrotanella caespitosa,
Abrotanella nivigena,
Abrotanella pusilla,
Abrotanella linearifolia,
Abrotanella papuana,
Abrotanella rosulata,
Abrotanella emarginata,
Abrotanella fertilis,
Abrotanella spathulata,
Abrotanella purpurea,
Abrotanella patearoa,
Abrotanella submarginata,
Abrotanella diemii,
Abrotanella scapigera,
Abrotanella forsterioides,
Acamptopappus shockleyi,
Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus,
Acanthocephalus benthamianus,
Acanthocephalus amplexifolius,
Acanthocladium dockeri,
Acanthodesmos distichus,
Acanthodesmos gibarensis,
Acanthospermum humile,
Acanthospermum consobrinum,
Acanthospermum glabratum,
Acanthospermum microcarpum,
Acanthospermum hispidum,
Acanthospermum australe,
Acanthospermum lecocarpoides,
Acanthostyles buniifolius,
Acanthostyles saucechicoensis,
Achillea buiana,
Achillea conrathii,
Achillea cucullata,
Achillea styriaca,
Achillea clavennae,
Achillea cappadocica,
Achillea huber-morathii,
Achillea ptarmicoides,
Achillea sieheana,
Achillea barrelieri,