South Africa boasts a massive variety of distinctively beautiful native plants that transform your garden into a breathtaking display, full of vivid colours and unique textures. Enhance and preserve the country’s natural beauty by incorporating these native indigenous plants into your garden.
King protea
You can never go wrong with the South African national flower. The King Protea is the largest flower in the Protea genus family and is one of the oldest flower species on the planet. Given the diversity within the protea family, this plant is perfect for your garden as it attracts various species of wildlife.. The colours and nectar are what draw in these various wildlife species.
Viburnum
The viburnum shrub is a garden favourite for good reason. These broad-leaved shrubs are easy to grow and can thrive in partial shade. In the late autumn, they reward you with beautiful white blooms and vibrant red berries. Viburnums are essential for any low-maintenance native garden, as they provide height, texture, and privacy without requiring much effort.
Rock purslane
The rock purslane is a remarkable plant known for its vibrant colour and resilience. With its striking magenta flowers and thick, diamond-shaped leaves, it stands out in low-water, full-sun gardens. This plant is well-suited for many gardens in South Africa, given the country’s semi-arid climate.
The round-leaf buchu plant
This beautiful shrub is native to the lower-elevation mountains of the region and is renowned for its significant medicinal properties, which are highly valued by many communities. The essential oils extracted from Buchu are commonly used to flavour various beverages.
Incorporating the Buchu plant into your garden can provide numerous benefits. Due to its popularity and the advantages it offers, Buchu is being harvested at a rate that exceeds its growth, putting it at risk of becoming endangered. To help ensure the survival of this plant, it is advisable to cultivate it in your garden.it in your garden.
First published on Garden & Home
Words compiled by: Chumasande Matiwane
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