Lobostemon cinereus, the ash healthbush, is a species belonging to the forget-me-not family. It is endemic to the Cape Provinces of South Africa.

Lobostemon cinereus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Boraginales
Family: Boraginaceae
Genus: Lobostemon
Species:
L. cinereus
Binomial name
Lobostemon cinereus
DC. & A.DC.
Synonyms[1]
  • Echium cinereum (DC.) I.M.Johnst.

Description edit

This species is similar in appearance to Lobostemon trichotomus. It is a shrublet that grows up to 30–100 cm (0.98–3.28 ft) in height.[2] The elongated lance shaped leaves are stalkless leaves are somewhat leathery and are covered in ash-coloured leaves on both the upper and lower surfaces. These hairs are the basis of its species name (with cinis meaning ashes in Latin). The leaves also have bulbous-based hairs on lower surface.[2]

Flowers are present between August and November. They are white, or sometimes pale pink, and are borne in cymes. They may be hairy or hairless on the outer surface. The staminal scales are slightly triangular with staminal scales.[2]

Distribution and habitat edit

It is found from Port Nolloth to Heerenlogement and the Cedarberg, where it grows on sandy flats and slopes.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ ""Lobostemon cinereus"". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d Manning, John; Goldblatt, Peter (2012). Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region : 1: the core Cape flora (PDF). Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute, SANBI. ISBN 978-1-919976-74-7. OCLC 852384288.