Cape Snow Bush
Eriocephalus africanus
© (c) Nicola van Berkel, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Nicola van Berkel (CC-BY-SA)
Description - from Wikipedia
Eriocephalus africanus is a bushy shrublet indigenous to South Africa. It has a wide distribution in the Western and Eastern Cape, and in Namaqualand. The plant has several common names in various languages. It is known as the Kapokbossie or Wild Rosemary (Afrikaans "wilde roosmaryn") referring to its fancied resemblance to rosemary. The superficial resemblance is in the foliage, which, though softer and not glossy, grows in a habit similar to that of the common Mediterranean rosemary, although the two species are not related.
Eriocephalus africanus is fragrant, with lightly felted foliage that gives the plant a matt silvery appearance. The inflorescences are small brown and pale yellow heads borne in corymbs; each head bears a few bisexual ray florets with abortive ovaries and snowy white petals that practically cover a bush in flower. The ray florets surround usually some four to eight female florets in the centre.
Ecologically the plant is important to many insects as a source of nectar and pollen, and as a minor browse to flocks and antelope. Essential oil derived from E. africanus is used as an ingredient in medicinal and perfume products. The plant has been used in traditional medicine and in cooking.
Essential oil
Essential oil extracts of E. africanus are prepared by steam distillation, and contain the following primary aroma components:
== References ==
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Species Characteristics
Wildlife supported
Tolerances & suitability
Growth features
Social features
Aspect
Plant types
Succession
Soils
- White
Propagation
By Seed
In the western Cape it is best to plant during the wet winter months so that the plants can establish themselves before the dry summer.
New plants are easy to propagate from seed or cuttings.
The seed may be sown in autumn or spring and germinates within 10 days.
By Cutting
The root system is well developed with a taproot that can penetrate the soil to a depth of 6 m, and lateral roots that extend about 2 m around the plant and are closer to the surface.
The shrubs can be pruned lightly to encourage bushy growth, to shape into a hedge or even a ball.