Status:
valid
Authors:
P.J.Bergius
Source:
ildis
Year:
1767
Citation Micro:
Descr. Pl. Cap.: 212 (1767)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000211218
Common Names
- Aspalathus sericea
- Silky Aspalathus
- Silky Bushveld Tea
Synonyms
- Aspalathus sericea sericea [unknown]
- Aspalathus argentea J.F.Gmel. [illegitimate]
- Paraspalathus sericea C.Presl [valid]
- Achyronia sericea (P.J.Bergius) Kuntze [valid]
Description
Aspalathus sericea (also called Silky Rooibos, among many other common names) is a shrub native to South Africa. It is a member of the Fabaceae family and grows up to 1 meter in height. It is found in the mountainous regions of the Western Cape province of South Africa, in the fynbos biome. It is found in sandy and loamy soils, and prefers dry, well-drained soils.
Uses & Benefits
Aspalathus sericea is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and for landscaping. It is also used to make herbal teas and tisanes, as well as for medicinal purposes.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Aspalathus sericea sub. aemula (E.Mey.) R.Dahlgren
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Aspalathus sericea has small, white flowers with yellow centers that grow in clusters. The seeds are small, black, and round. Seedlings have oval-shaped leaves with a rounded tip.
Cultivation and Propagation
Aspalathus sericea is a small, evergreen shrub that grows up to 1 meter in height. It is easily propagated from cuttings, which should be taken from the tips of the branches in late summer. The cuttings should be planted in a well-drained, sandy soil and kept moist until they are established. It is also possible to propagate Aspalathus sericea from seed, which should be sown in a warm, sunny location in spring.
Where to Find Aspalathus sericea
Aspalathus sericea can be found in South Africa, in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces.
Aspalathus sericea FAQ
What is the scientific name of Aspalathus sericea?
Aspalathus sericea
What is the common name of Aspalathus sericea?
Rooibos
What is the natural habitat of Aspalathus sericea?
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