Status:
valid
Authors:
Lam.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1783
Citation Micro:
Encycl.1: 287 (1783)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000211598
Common Names
- Acuminata Rooibos
- Aspalathus Acuminata
- Acuminata Bush Tea
Synonyms
- Achyronia acuminata (Lam.) Kuntze [valid]
Description
Aspalathus acuminata (also called Knoppies-Aspalathus, among many other common names) is a small, evergreen shrub native to South Africa. It typically grows to a height of 0.3–1.5 m, with small, linear leaves and yellow flowers. It is found in dry, rocky areas, often in full sun.
Uses & Benefits
Aspalathus acuminata is used as an ornamental plant, for soil erosion control, as a food source for livestock, and as a source of firewood.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Aspalathus acuminata sub. acuminata
Aspalathus acuminata sub. pungens (Thunb.) R.Dahlgren
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Aspalathus acuminata is a small, yellow, bell-shaped flower. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are thin and upright.
Cultivation and Propagation
Aspalathus acuminata is a hardy, evergreen shrub that can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Seeds should be sown in a warm, sunny location and kept moist until germination occurs. Once established, Aspalathus acuminata requires little maintenance and can tolerate dry conditions.
Where to Find Aspalathus acuminata
Aspalathus acuminata is native to South Africa and can be found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo provinces.
Aspalathus acuminata FAQ
What is the scientific name of Aspalathus acuminata?
Aspalathus acuminata
What is the common name of Aspalathus acuminata?
Rooibos
What is the origin of Aspalathus acuminata?
South Africa
Species in the Aspalathus genus
Aspalathus chortophila,
Aspalathus oliveri,
Aspalathus polycephala,
Aspalathus venosa,
Aspalathus fasciculata,
Aspalathus suaveolens,
Aspalathus rupestris,
Aspalathus esterhuyseniae,
Aspalathus corniculata,
Aspalathus acidota,
Aspalathus borbonifolia,
Aspalathus aspalathoides,
Aspalathus stenophylla,
Aspalathus inops,
Aspalathus marginata,
Aspalathus psoraleoides,
Aspalathus truncata,
Aspalathus orbiculata,
Aspalathus myrtillifolia,
Aspalathus securifolia,
Aspalathus cytisoides,
Aspalathus rugosa,
Aspalathus linearifolia,
Aspalathus bidouwensis,
Aspalathus incana,
Aspalathus dunsdoniana,
Aspalathus salicifolia,
Aspalathus ramulosa,
Aspalathus radiata,
Aspalathus sericea,
Aspalathus aemula,
Aspalathus altissima,
Aspalathus tridentata,
Aspalathus quinquefolia,
Aspalathus heterophylla,
Aspalathus lotoides,
Aspalathus argyrella,
Aspalathus ternata,
Aspalathus dasyantha,
Aspalathus oblongifolia,
Aspalathus intervallaris,
Aspalathus quadrata,
Aspalathus vulpina,
Aspalathus villosa,
Aspalathus bodkinii,
Aspalathus comptonii,
Aspalathus bracteata,
Aspalathus patens,
Aspalathus lanata,
Aspalathus latifolia,
Species in the Fabaceae family