Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
alopecurus
ID:
212082

Status:
valid

Authors:
Burch. ex Benth.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1848

Citation Micro:
London J. Bot.7: 628 (1848)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000211411



Common Names

  • Alopecurus Rooibos
  • Alopecurus Bush Tea
  • Alopecurus Red Tea


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Synonyms

  • Achyronia alopecurus (Burch. ex Benth.) Kuntze [valid]
  • Aspalathus comosa Eckl. & Zeyh. [illegitimate]

Description

Aspalathus alopecurus (also called Fox-tail Rooibos, among many other common names) is a shrub that grows up to 1.5 m in height. It is native to the Western Cape province of South Africa and is typically found in the fynbos vegetation type. It grows in sandy and loamy soils in areas with low rainfall.

Uses & Benefits

Aspalathus alopecurus is used as a medicinal herb to treat various ailments. The leaves are used to make tea and the bark is used to make rope. It is also used as a source of firewood, timber, and fodder.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Aspalathus alopecurus has small, yellow flowers with white centers. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have narrow, pointed leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Aspalathus alopecurus can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or summer in a well-drained soil mix. Cuttings should be taken in spring or summer and rooted in a well-drained soil mix. Both methods should be kept moist and in a warm, sunny location.

Where to Find Aspalathus alopecurus

Aspalathus alopecurus can be found in the deserts of South Africa.

Aspalathus alopecurus FAQ

What is the common name of Aspalathus alopecurus?

Rooibos

What is the natural habitat of Aspalathus alopecurus?

It is native to the Western Cape province of South Africa.

What is the best way to propagate Aspalathus alopecurus?

Propagation is usually done by seed or cuttings.

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

References

George Bentham (1800-1884): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Benth.' in the authors string.
William John Burchell (1781-1863): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Burch.' in the authors string.