Citronella spur-flower, White spur flower
Plectranthus laxiflorus

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows up to 1.5 m high. The crushed leaves have a lemon (citronella) scent. The leaves are 6-10 cm long by 4-6 cm wide. The flowers are in groups of 3. They are white to pale mauve.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows between 15-1,800 m above sea level. It grows on the edges of forests and along shady river banks.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola. Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Tubers, root, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ubebebe, Ifuthane, Uhlolowane, Umadolwane, Umsuthuza

Synonyms

Plectranthus hylophilus auct. non Gürke; Plectranthus urticoides Baker; Plectranthus albus Gürke; Plectranthus fraternus T.C.E.Fr.; Plectranthus hylophilus Gürke; Plectranthus johnstonii Baker; Plectranthus kondowensis Baker; Plectranthus laxiflorus var. genuinus Briq. Plectranthus laxiflorus var. stenodontus Briq. Plectranthus neumannii Gürke; Plectranthus triflorus Baker; Plectranthus violaceus Gürke; Germanea laxiflora var. genuina Hiern