Status:
valid
Authors:
R.Dahlgren
Source:
ildis
Year:
1968
Citation Micro:
Opera Bot.21: 159 (1968)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000211586
Common Names
- Acifer Rooibos
- Aspalathus Acifera
- Acifer Bush Tea
Description
Aspalathus acifera (also called Thorny Rooibos, among many other common names) is a shrub native to South Africa. It has small, needle-like leaves and small yellow flowers. It is found in the fynbos biome of the Western Cape and grows in rocky, sandy soils.
Uses & Benefits
Aspalathus acifera has many non-medical uses, including as an ornamental plant, for soil erosion control, as a food source for livestock, and as a source of firewood.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Aspalathus acifera are small and white with five petals. The seed is a small, dark brown, ovoid-shaped seed. The seedlings are small and have a single, oval-shaped cotyledon.
Cultivation and Propagation
Aspalathus acifera is a hardy, evergreen shrub that can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Seeds should be sown in a warm, sunny location and kept moist until germination occurs. Once established, Aspalathus acifera requires little maintenance and can tolerate dry conditions.
Where to Find Aspalathus acifera
Aspalathus acifera is native to South Africa and can be found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo provinces.
Aspalathus acifera FAQ
What is the scientific name of Aspalathus acifera?
Aspalathus acifera
What type of plant is Aspalathus acifera?
Shrub
What is the natural habitat of Aspalathus acifera?
Dry, rocky slopes and ridges
Species in the Aspalathus genus
Aspalathus chortophila,
Aspalathus oliveri,
Aspalathus polycephala,
Aspalathus venosa,
Aspalathus fasciculata,
Aspalathus suaveolens,
Aspalathus rupestris,
Aspalathus esterhuyseniae,
Aspalathus corniculata,
Aspalathus acidota,
Aspalathus borbonifolia,
Aspalathus aspalathoides,
Aspalathus stenophylla,
Aspalathus inops,
Aspalathus marginata,
Aspalathus psoraleoides,
Aspalathus truncata,
Aspalathus orbiculata,
Aspalathus myrtillifolia,
Aspalathus securifolia,
Aspalathus cytisoides,
Aspalathus rugosa,
Aspalathus linearifolia,
Aspalathus bidouwensis,
Aspalathus incana,
Aspalathus dunsdoniana,
Aspalathus salicifolia,
Aspalathus ramulosa,
Aspalathus radiata,
Aspalathus sericea,
Aspalathus aemula,
Aspalathus altissima,
Aspalathus tridentata,
Aspalathus quinquefolia,
Aspalathus heterophylla,
Aspalathus lotoides,
Aspalathus argyrella,
Aspalathus ternata,
Aspalathus dasyantha,
Aspalathus oblongifolia,
Aspalathus intervallaris,
Aspalathus quadrata,
Aspalathus vulpina,
Aspalathus villosa,
Aspalathus bodkinii,
Aspalathus comptonii,
Aspalathus bracteata,
Aspalathus patens,
Aspalathus lanata,
Aspalathus latifolia,
Species in the Fabaceae family