Status:
valid
Authors:
Eckl. & Zeyh.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1836
Citation Micro:
Enum. Pl. Afric. Austral.: 217 (1836)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000211335
Common Names
- Rooibos
- Red Bush
- Aspalathus Linearis
Synonyms
- Achyronia opaca (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Kuntze [valid]
Description
Aspalathus opaca (also called 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 opaca is used as an ornamental plant, for its attractive foliage and flowers. It is also used in landscaping and as a windbreak.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Aspalathus opaca sub. rostriloba R.Dahlgren
Aspalathus opaca sub. pappeana (Harv.) R.Dahlgren
Aspalathus opaca sub. opaca
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Aspalathus opaca has small, yellow flowers, with the seed being a small, black, shiny nut. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Aspalathus opaca is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 5 m tall. It is native to South Africa and is found in dry, rocky areas. It is drought-tolerant and prefers full sun. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist until germination occurs. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and rooted in a sandy soil mix. Keep the cuttings moist until they have rooted.
Where to Find Aspalathus opaca
Aspalathus opaca is native to South Africa.
Aspalathus opaca FAQ
What is the scientific name of Aspalathus opaca?
Aspalathus opaca
What is the common name of Aspalathus opaca?
Rooibos
What is the natural habitat of Aspalathus opaca?
It is native to South Africa and is found in the fynbos region of the Western and Eastern Cape provinces.
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