Monechma genistifolium

Family: Acanthaceae

What it is like

A herb or small shrub. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows up to 1 m high. The branches have a grey covering or woolly hairs. The leaves are narrow and opposite. They are 3 cm long. They are bright green. The flowers are small and occur singly. They are white with purple veins. They are in the axils of leaves and occur singly. The fruit is a capsule.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in well drained rocky and sandy soils. It grows between 500-1,600 m altitude in southern Africa. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Nectar

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Otjipembati, Perdebos

Synonyms

Justicia genistifolia Engl.; Monechma australe P. G. Mey; Monechma hereroense (Engl.) C. B. Clarke;