Status:
valid
Authors:
R.Dahlgren
Source:
ildis
Year:
1963
Citation Micro:
Opera Bot.9: 167, 290 (1963)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000211472
Common Names
- Smithii Rooibos
- Aspalathus smithii
- Smithii Bush Tea
Description
Aspalathus smithii (also called Rooibos, among many other common names) is a shrub native to the western Cape region of South Africa. It has small, needle-like leaves and yellow flowers. It grows best in well-drained, acidic soil and is often found in mountainous areas.
Uses & Benefits
Aspalathus smithii 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.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Aspalathus smithii has white flowers with yellow centers and black seeds. The seedlings are thin and have small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Aspalathus smithii 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 smithii
Aspalathus smithii can be found in the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Aspalathus smithii FAQ
What is the common name of Aspalathus smithii?
Smithii Rooibos
What is the natural habitat of Aspalathus smithii?
It is native to the western and eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa.
What is the traditional use of Aspalathus smithii?
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