Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
lactea
ID:
212151

Status:
valid

Authors:
Thunb.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1800

Citation Micro:
Prodr. Pl. Cap.: 127 (1800)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000211480



Common Names

  • Lactea Rooibos
  • Aspalathus lactea
  • Lactea Bush Tea


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Synonyms

  • Achyronia lactea (Thunb.) Kuntze [valid]

Description

Aspalathus lactea (also called White Rooibos, among many other common names) is a shrub native to South Africa. It is a small, evergreen shrub with small, needle-like leaves and white flowers. It is found in dry, rocky, and sandy areas of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa.

Uses & Benefits

Aspalathus lactea is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a ground cover. Its leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headaches, and stomach ailments.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Aspalathus lactea sub. breviloba R.Dahlgren
Aspalathus lactea sub. lactea

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Flower: small, yellow, daisy-like flowers. Seed: small, black, flattened seeds. Seedlings: small, rounded leaves, with a white-greyish hue.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Aspalathus lactea is a hardy, evergreen shrub that is native to South Africa. It is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun to partial shade. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring in a well-drained soil mix. Cuttings should be taken in early summer and rooted in a well-drained potting mix.

Where to Find Aspalathus lactea

Aspalathus lactea can be found in the Western Cape of South Africa.

Aspalathus lactea FAQ

What is the common name of Aspalathus lactea?

Lactea Rooibos

What is the natural habitat of Aspalathus lactea?

It is native to the western and eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa.

What is the traditional use of Aspalathus lactea?

It has been used for centuries as a traditional herbal tea.

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