Fynbos Corridor Collaboration

Cape Snow Bush

Eriocephalus africanus

© JonRichfield (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Eriocephalus_africanus#/media/File:Eriocephalus_africanus_IMG_5718s.JPG) (None)

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

Bees Bees

Tolerances & suitability

Drought-resistant Drought-resistant

Growth features

Easy to grow Easy to grow

Social features

Attractive Attractive
Edible Edible
Fragrant Fragrant
Medicinal Medicinal

Aspect

Semi-shade Semi-shade
Sun Sun

Plant types

Shrub Shrub

Succession

Pioneer species Pioneer species
Flowering Period
  • White
Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug

Propagation

By Seed

Eriocephalus prefers full sun and well drained soils.
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

Eriocephalus roots easily from tip or heel cuttings taken in spring or autumn.
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.

Nursery availability

No nursery stock found.

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