helloplants.org

Lessertia canescens

Family: Fabaceae


What it is like

A small shrub. It grows 40 cm tall. The leaves have leaflets and one at the end. The leaflets are broadly heart shaped and have silvery hairs on both ends. The flowers are red. The pods are large and inflated.


Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In South Africa, it grows on coastal sands below 100 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa


How it is used for food

The leaves are used for tea drinks.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea


How it is grown


Its other names

Local names

Synonyms