Status:
valid
Authors:
O.Hoffm.
Source:
gcc
Year:
1910
Citation Micro:
Ann. Naturhist. Hofmus. xxiv. 314 (1910).
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000025169
Common Names
- Berkheya speciosa
- Berkheya
- Speciosa
Description
Berkheya speciosa (also called African thistle, among many other common names) is a perennial herb native to Africa. It has a woody stem and small yellow flowers. It grows in grasslands, meadows, and disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Berkheya speciosa has been used in traditional medicine to treat fever, headache, and skin diseases. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as an ingredient in perfumes.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Berkheya speciosa sub. speciosa
Berkheya speciosa sub. ovata Roessler
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Berkheya speciosa has bright yellow flowers with a diameter of 2-3 cm. The seeds are small and black, with a diameter of 1-2 mm. The seedlings are small, with a single pair of cotyledons and a short stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Berkheya speciosa is a perennial herb which can be propagated by seed. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures as low as -20°C. It can be propagated by division in the spring.
Where to Find Berkheya speciosa
Berkheya speciosa is native to the eastern and southern parts of Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Berkheya speciosa FAQ
What is the scientific name of Berkheya speciosa?
Berkheya speciosa
What is the common name of Berkheya speciosa?
Showy berkheya
What is the natural habitat of Berkheya speciosa?
Grassland, scrub, and rocky slopes
Species in the Berkheya genus
Berkheya johnstoniana,
Berkheya griquana,
Berkheya chiesiana,
Berkheya milleriana,
Berkheya echinacea,
Berkheya spekeana,
Berkheya radula,
Berkheya carduodes,
Berkheya maritima,
Berkheya sphaerocephala,
Berkheya spinosa,
Berkheya tysonii,
Berkheya montana,
Berkheya fruticosa,
Berkheya nivea,
Berkheya speciosa,
Berkheya setifera,
Berkheya angolensis,
Berkheya carlinoides,
Berkheya mackenii,
Berkheya spinosissima,
Berkheya onobromoides,
Berkheya carlinifolia,
Berkheya carlinopsis,
Berkheya ferox,
Berkheya cruciata,
Berkheya eriobasis,
Berkheya rhapontica,
Berkheya insignis,
Berkheya angustifolia,
Berkheya umbellata,
Berkheya dregei,
Berkheya leucaugeta,
Berkheya carlinopsis,
Berkheya draco,
Berkheya discolor,
Berkheya cirsiifolia,
Berkheya pauciflora,
Berkheya subulata,
Berkheya pinnatifida,
Berkheya herbacea,
Berkheya glabrata,
Berkheya rigida,
Berkheya seminivea,
Berkheya francisci,
Berkheya annectens,
Berkheya coriacea,
Berkheya latifolia,
Berkheya angusta,
Berkheya coddii,
Species in the Asteraceae family
Aaronsohnia pubescens,
Aaronsohnia factorovskyi,
Abrotanella filiformis,
Abrotanella rostrata,
Abrotanella linearis,
Abrotanella trilobata,
Abrotanella muscosa,
Abrotanella inconspicua,
Abrotanella trichoachaenia,
Abrotanella caespitosa,
Abrotanella nivigena,
Abrotanella pusilla,
Abrotanella linearifolia,
Abrotanella papuana,
Abrotanella rosulata,
Abrotanella emarginata,
Abrotanella fertilis,
Abrotanella spathulata,
Abrotanella purpurea,
Abrotanella patearoa,
Abrotanella submarginata,
Abrotanella diemii,
Abrotanella scapigera,
Abrotanella forsterioides,
Acamptopappus shockleyi,
Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus,
Acanthocephalus benthamianus,
Acanthocephalus amplexifolius,
Acanthocladium dockeri,
Acanthodesmos distichus,
Acanthodesmos gibarensis,
Acanthospermum humile,
Acanthospermum consobrinum,
Acanthospermum glabratum,
Acanthospermum microcarpum,
Acanthospermum hispidum,
Acanthospermum australe,
Acanthospermum lecocarpoides,
Acanthostyles buniifolius,
Acanthostyles saucechicoensis,
Achillea buiana,
Achillea conrathii,
Achillea cucullata,
Achillea styriaca,
Achillea clavennae,
Achillea cappadocica,
Achillea huber-morathii,
Achillea ptarmicoides,
Achillea sieheana,
Achillea barrelieri,