Dwarf Shrub Species

Atriplex lindleyi

Different aspects of the Atriplex lindleyi dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Gawie Malan; Millie Basden; Joan Young; Unknown)

 

Latin name: Atriplex lindleyi

Common name: Blasiebrak (A); Australian saltbush (E); Sponge-fruit saltbush (E).

 

Main Features General – the annual or perennial herb which can reach up to 400 mm in height and a diameter of 100 – 500 mm. Stems – spreading or erect, silver or grey-green in colour, and very brittle. Leaves – alternating, lance to diamond-shaped, margin toothed entirely, 10 – 14 x 3 – 15 mm. Flowers – the same plant carries male and female flowers. Males form small globular groups or short spikes that can be found on the tops of the stems, whereas female flowers are solitary or clusters at the base of the leaves. Fruit – are inflated, spongy cream to greenish, 7-11 x 7-10 mm. Seed – reddish brown to black.

 

Habitat: This plant prefers exploited areas and grows in plains and depressions in open, disturbed settings.

 

Flowering time: N/A

 

Grazing value: Unpalatable, soil turns brackish where the fruit drops.

 

Atriplex semibaccata

Different aspects of the Atriplex semibaccata dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Shaun Swanepoel; Bernadette Lingham; Kevin Jolliffe; C. Meling)

 

Latin name: Atriplex semibaccata

Common name: Kruipsoutbos (A); Creeping saltbush (E).

 

Main Features General – a mat-forming, spreading, dwarf shrub with a 500 – 1 000 mm diameter and a height of 100 – 200 mm. Stems – sprawling, grey or buff. Leaves – abundant, alternate, grey to grey-green, shaped like an egg, beyond the middle they are widest, 11 – 17 x 4 – 6 mm commonly toothed coarsely. Flowers – both male and female flowers are present although on different parts of the plant. Females form small clusters at the leaf axil, males are present in small groups at the tips of the branches. Inconspicuous flowers. Fruit – red, fleshy, top to diamond-shaped. Seed – black seed, one per fruit.

 

Habitat: Favours disturbed soils and can be found in seasonal streams, plains, and depressions.

 

Flowering time: October to November

 

Grazing value: Palatable but becomes less palatable on brackish soils. Valuable fodder plant which can protect bare and disturbed soils.

 

Ethnobotanical value: Edible fruit which has been used to make jam in the past.

 

Atriplex vestita

Different aspects of the Atriplex vestita dwarf shrub.
(Sources: Jacques van der Merwe; Odette Curtis)

 

Latin name: Atriplex vestita

Common name: Karoobrak (A); Brakbos (A); Cape saltbush (E).

 

Main Features General – strong, upright to sprawling 500 – 1 200 mm tall dwarf shrub. Stems – silvery dusted, slightly angular. Leaves – elliptic, alternate, silvery-grey in colour, powdered densely on both surfaces, 25 – 30 x 12 mm. Flowers – a terminal panicle of small yellow flowers that are grouped in tight, spherical clusters. Fruit – warty, more noticeable than the flowers, and grouped in terminal panicles.

 

Habitat: Grows in floodplains, plains, and seasonal streams. Frequently widespread locally in salty soils.

 

Flowering time: September to March

 

Grazing value: In most areas, it is well utilised, although it may become unpalatable in certain areas.

 

Boophone disticha

Different aspects of the Boophone disticha dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Andrew Higgs; Marian Olivier; Richard Gill; Marinda)

Latin name: Boophone disticha

Common name: Gifbol (A); Seeroogblom (A); Poison bulb (E); Sore-eye flower (E).

 

Main Features General – Deciduous, attractive plant, 300 mm tall, large, a scale-covered bulb which can be seen partially above ground. Leaves – greyish-green, erect, and strap-shaped, produced after flowering and arranged in a conspicuous fan. Flowers – multiple, pink to bright red, borne in a classic inflorescence resembling an umbel. Fruit – is in the shape of an inverted cone and will remain attached to the seedhead.

 

Habitat: Can be found on rocky slopes, and in dry grasslands.

 

Flowering time: July to October

 

Grazing value: Livestock does not graze this plant as it is toxic.

 

Toxicity: The bulb is extremely poisonous to both cattle and sheep.

 

Medicinal value: Headaches can be treated with the bulb, as well as chest pain, insomnia, and abdominal pain. The outer covering of the bulb can be removed and applied to boils and abscesses and bleeding of wounds can be stopped with fresh leaves.

 

Ethnobotanical value: The bulb poison has previously been used as an arrow poison.

 

Chrysocoma ciliata

Different aspects of the Chrysocoma ciliata dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Brendan Cole; Rupert Koopman; David Hoare; Tony Rebelo)

 

Latin name: Chrysocoma ciliata

Common name: Bitterbos (A); Bitter bush (E).

 

Main Features General – a small, rounded shrub that is soft, thick, and woody and grows to a height of 100 – 600 mm. Leaves – short, alternating, hairless, needle-like, bright green in colour, 3 – 14 x 1 mm. During the actively growing stage, the leaves are sticky. Flowers – yellow daisy heads lacking ray florets are used to carry the flowers. Solitary, flat-topped flowerheads grow alone on branch tips. A white calyx is what’s left over after the flowerheads have ripened and the seed has fallen.

 

Habitat: Can grow in a variety of habitats but do not favour brackish soils.

 

Flowering time: October to January

 

Grazing value: It is not readily grazed by livestock, on the rare occasion that it is grazed, only the flowers will be utilised.

 

Toxicity: At least two illnesses in livestock are caused by it. When ewes graze the flowers, it produces “kaalsiekte” (alopecia) in lamb and kids, and in adult animals (sheep, goat, cattle) “lakseersiekte” (purging disease) is produced.

 

Invasiveness: This plant is classified as an active pioneer species and is an indicator species as its presence or increase in the veld suggests overgrazing and veld deterioration occur.

 

Medicinal value: A decoction is used as an external syphilis therapy as well as for cleansing wounds and sores. This decoction is also advertised as a treatment for appendicitis, gout, rheumatism, jaundice, gastric fever, and constipation.

 

Dimorphotheca cuneata

Different aspects of the Dimorphotheca cuneata dwarf shrub species
(Sources: Charles Stirton; David Hoare; Gigi Laidler)

 

Latin name: Dimorphotheca cuneata

Common name: Grootwitbietou (A); Reënblom (A); White bietou (E); Rain flower (E).

 

Main Features General – 300 – 1 000 mm tall and same in diameter, uniformly sized, soft, rounded dwarf shrub. Leaves – are strap-shaped, alternate, slightly fleshy, 15 – 20 x 3 – 5 mm, with few coarse teeth found along the margins. Flowers – daisy-like flowers with white ray florets above, salmon with yellow borders below, and yellow disc florets. The flower blooms early in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. Seed – disc- or kidney-shaped seed that is buff, flat, and has membranous wings that turn purple just before ripening.

 

Habitat: Stony soils are preferred. It can grow in plains, apron veld, ridges, and plateaus.

 

Flowering time: September to October

 

Grazing value: Even though the plant is not as palatable, it is grazed under pressure. Seedlings and flowerheads are preferred.

 

Toxicity: The plant produces prussic acid which could lead to poisoning and mortality in livestock, especially sheep.

 

Drosanthemum hispidum

Different aspects of the Drosanthemum hispidum dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Felix Riegel; Gigi Laidler; Timothy Smith; Wonder walker – iNaturalist)

 

Latin name: Drosanthemum hispidum

Common name: Skaapvygie (A); Muisvygie (A); Hairy dewflower (E).

 

Main Features General – a sturdy, mat-forming, succulent, dwarf shrub growing to a height of 600 mm. Stems – numerous, slender, hairy, and fastened where it touches the ground. Leaves – opposite, cylindrical, succulent, grows up to 10 mm, is green with occasional purple hints, and is coated in many, small, water-filled cells. Flowers – single daisy heads, cerise pink to reddish-purple in colour, with glossy petals. Fruit – capsules feature valve wings and covering bodies.

 

Habitat: Disturbed places and rocky outcrops, however, gravelly soils are preferred.

 

Flowering time: September to October

 

Grazing value: During dry periods and droughts it can be well utilised. Over-utilisation by livestock can cause the formation of bladder and kidney stones.

 

Dyerophytum africanum

Different aspects of the Dyerophytum africanum dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Gigi Laidler; Alex Dreyer; Peter Erb; Tony Rebelo)

 

Latin name: Dyerophytum africanum

Common name: Pronkbos (A); Desert stattice (E); Wild plumbago (E).

 

Main Features General – 600 mm tall, spherical shrub with slack branches. Stems – slender, sometimes striped, woody, and green with a thin waxy layer. Leaves – alternating, tiny, grey-green in colour and broadly spoon-shaped. Flowers – little tubes with a pink outline and a yellow centre. They protrude from papery, red, or yellow sepals with transverse pleats. Fruit – a capsule.

 

Habitat: Plants are frequently found on plains and rocky outcrops, as well as in rocky, stony, or gravelly regions.

 

Flowering time: August

 

Grazing value: N/A

 

Eriocephalus ericoides

Different aspects of the Eriocephalus ericoides dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Marion Maclean; Tony Rebelo; Gigi Laidler; Katie Herold)

Latin name: Eriocephalus ericoides

Common name: Kapokbos (A); Kapok bush (E).

Main Features General – a branching dwarf shrub with a diameter of 500 – 900 mm and a height of 200 – 1 000 mm. Stems – are regularly twisted and split. Leaves – in clusters, a bit fleshy, strap-shaped, 4 x 0.5 mm, smooth margins, release aromatic scent when crushed. Flowers – blooms in little daisy heads gathered in spikes at branch tips, discrete, with yellow disc florets and white ray florets, occasionally with reddish-purple flowers. Seed – nearly concealed by large, white balls of fluff that range in size from 5 – 10 mm in diameter. Once ripe, the seeds with the fluff gather beneath the plant.

 

Habitat: Prefers clayey and sandy soils on both flats and slopes. Grows in a variety of habitats and can be found almost everywhere.

 

Flowering time: July to August

 

Grazing value: The palatability varies greatly between different areas, seasons and habitats but is overall well grazed by most livestock.

 

Medicinal value: To ripen measles, an infusion and Angora goat droppings are administered. By combining the seed hairs, a few green twigs, and a few drops of Haarlem Essence, it is also used to treat children’s chest conditions. Colds are treated with an infusion that also contains Chrysocoma ciliata.

 

Ethnobotanical value: When animals graze this plant, their milk gets a distinct flavour and sheep’s lips are stained black when they graze the flower buds.

 

Eriocephalus spinescens

Different aspects of the Eriocephalus spinescens dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Gigi Laidler; Prix Burgoyne; Tony Rebelo)

Latin name: Eriocephalus spinescens

Common name: Doringkapok (A); Kleinkapok (A); Silwerkapok (A).

Main Features General – 150 – 500 mm in both diameter and height. Woody dwarf shrub which is robust and has many branches. Stems – sometimes split, woody. Tips of branches become spinous. Leaves – forms clusters, silver-grey in colour, strap-shaped, 4 x 5.0 mm. When faced from above, each cluster of leaves forms a cross. Flowers – between the leaf clusters, small single daisy heads are located near the tips of the branches, ray florets are white, and the disc florets are yellow. Seed – almost not visible between the balls of white fluff and are about 10 mm in diameter.

 

Habitat: Can be found on apron veld, ridges, plains, and disturbed areas in both sandy and gravelly soils.

Flowering time: November to February

Grazing value: Although it is spinous and less palatable, in the north-eastern Karoo it seems to be more palatable.

Felicia filifolia

Different aspects of the Felicia filifolia dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Tony Rebelo; David Hoare; Jenny Potgieter)

Latin name: Felicia filifolia

Common name: Persdraaibos (A); Bakbos (A); Needle-leaved Felicia (E).

Main Features General – a twiggy shrub, with numerous branches in a rounded shape, that can reach a height of 500 – 1 000 mm and a diameter of 500 mm. Bark – often slightly fibrous, in a dark blackish to brown colour. Stems – twisted. Leaves – form bunches along the stems, apple-green in colour, strap-shaped, rounded, or flat, a bit fleshy, with rounded or pointed tips, 8 – 12 x 0.5 – 1 mm. Flowers – produce an abundance of flowers, slender stalks are topped with daisy heads, among the leaves at the tip of the branches. Ray florets range from blue to mauve in colour and the disc florets are yellow. Seedheads – creamy white in colour and fluffy texture.

 

Habitat: Commonly found in rocky places in the apron veld, hillsides, and ridges.

Flowering time: August to December

Grazing value: Although it has a good production ability, its palatability ranges between areas and seasons.

Invasiveness: In a poorly managed veld it is an invader.

Geigeria ornativa

Different aspects of the Geigeria ornativa dwarf shrub species.
(Source: Bart Wursten)

Latin name: Geigeria ornativa

Common name: Vermeerbos (A); Misbeksiektebos (A).

Main Features General – a dwarf shrub, which is low growing, reaches a height of 100 – 150 mm and a diameter of 200 – 250 mm. Has a long and woody taproot. Stems – are branched and round at the bottom, while it is flattened, angular and ribbed above. Bark – fibrous structure, yellow-brown to maroon-brown in colour. Leaves – alternating, strap-shaped, smooth margins, stems are clasped by the bases, 45 – 100 x 2-4 mm. Flowers – in the forks of branches daisy heads are formed, leaves overtop the flowers, yellow ray florets, as well as yellow disc florets. Seed – form a cigar shape and has a pappus of yellow bristles.

 

Habitat: Although it grows just about anywhere, it prefers sandy soils.

Flowering time: January to April

Grazing value: A less palatable plant, which is rarely, if ever grazed by livestock. It can be an indicator of the over-grazed veld.

Toxicity: It is a toxic plant species and responsible for “vermeersiekte” in goats and sheep and very rarely in cattle.

 

Helichrysum zeyheri

Different aspects of the Helichrysum zeyheri dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Klaus Wehrlin; Marienne de Villiers; Nicola van Berkel)

Latin name: Helichrysum zeyheri

Common name: Vaalbergkaroo (A).

Main Features General – 150 – 1 000 mm tall, open, or dense dwarf shrub. Stems – leafy, grey to white in colour and woolly. Leaves – 6-23 x 2-9 mm, linear to egg-shaped, grey-green to blue-green in colour, white-woolly on both sides. Flowers – tips of branches have clusters, paper-like flower, in soft pastel pink or occasionally darker red in colour.

 

Habitat: Easily found in a wide variety of habitats, in sandy, loamy, and stony soils.

 

Flowering time: November to May

 

Grazing value: It is a palatable species which is well utilised by livestock.

 

Hermannia linearifolia

Different aspects of the Hermannia linearifolia dwarf shrub species.
(Source: Nicola van Berkel)
 

Latin name: Hermannia linearifolia

Common name: Rooipleisterbos (A).

Main Features General – robust, dwarf shrub with numerous branches, 200-500 mm in height and 150-300 mm in diameter. Stems – when young greenish-brown in colour, turns dark grey when older. Leaves – occur in tufts, have a strap shape, 7-14 x 0.5-1.5 mm. Flowers – branch tips have spike-like groups of flowers, drooping, brick-red colour, slightly twisted corolla. Fruit – horned papery capsule which is buff. Seed – brown to black in colour.

 

Habitat: This plant can be found on ridges and in plains.

 

Flowering time: December to April

Grazing value: It has high leaf production abilities and is drought-resistant. It ranges from palatable to less palatable.

 

Hertia cluytiifolia

Different aspects of the Hertia cluytiifolia dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Loraine vd B.; Mark Berry)

 

Latin name: Hertia cluytiifolia

Common name: Ertjiebos (A).

 

Main Features General – a dwarf shrub with many branches, 700-1000 mm in height, and 500-1000 mm in diameter. Stems – buff. Leaves – alternating, leathery, egg- to strap-shaped, 16-28 x 6-10 mm, soft green, finely toothed margins, rounded tips. Flowers – single daisy heads formed at the tips of short shoots, absent ray florets, yellow disc florets. Seed – a noticeable hairy creamy-buff pappus.

 

Habitat: It is found in plains, disturbed areas, and depressions.

Flowering time: August to September

Grazing value: When this plant is abundantly present it is a sign of veld deterioration. It is an unpalatable species.

 

Hertia pallens

Different aspects of the Hertia pallens dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Loraine vd B; Luke Gallant)

 

Latin name: Hertia pallens

Common name: Springbokbos (A); Armoedsbossie (A); Springbuck bush (E).

 

Main Features General – upright, woody dwarf shrub, 700-1000 mm in height and 500-700 mm in diameter. Stems – when young they are buff, but become pale to grey when older. Leaves – leathery texture, strap-shaped, can be found opposite each other or in bunches, located on short shoots, 15-25 x 3-5 mm, pale green. Flowers – on the tips of short shoots single daisy heads can be found, yellow ray florets, and yellow disc florets. Seed – has a conspicuous creamy-buff pappus.

 

Habitat: Most frequently found in sandy soils with underlying limestone in plains, rocky ridges and beside roads.

 

Flowering time: August to September

 

Grazing value: Under pressure, it is grazed, although it is less palatable to palatable. When thick stands are present it is a clear sign of overgrazing.

 

Toxicity: When large quantities are consumed it can lead to livestock poisoning.

 

Lasiosiphon polycephalus

Different aspects of the Lasiosiphon polycephalus dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: David Hoare; Marion Maclean; Joël Roerig)

 

Latin name: Lasiosiphon polycephalus

Common name: Januariebos (A); Karoo broom (E).

 

Main Features General – rounded, spreading shrub, 300 – 500 mm in both height and diameter. Stems – woody and short. Bark – when trying to break off a twig it tears in long strips. Leaves – sparsely scattered on branches, alternating, grey-green in colour, strap-shaped, sharply pointed tips, 9 – 12 x 0.8 – 1.2 mm. Flowers – tips of the branches has daisy heads, yellow, tubular and yellow in colour. Seed – fluffy and white.

 

Habitat: Limy and sandy soils are preferred. Can be found in the apron veld and plains.

 

Flowering time: September to November

 

Grazing value: It is an unpalatable species which is ungrazed. In overgrazed veld, it is an invader.

 

Toxicity: During the flowering season it is poisonous to livestock.

 

Medicinal value: A variety of ailments such as stomach aches, earaches, and toothaches can be treated with the roots.

 

Lessertia frutescens

Different aspects of the Lessertia frutescens dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Charles Striton; Bongani Mnisi; Tony Rebelo; Olli Lausanne)

 

Latin name: Lessertia frutescens

Common name: Kankerbos (A); Cancer bush (E); Balloon pea (E).

 

Main Features General – a delicate dwarf shrub 200 – 500 mm in height and diameter. Leaves – alternating, divided once, spoon-shaped leaflets, blue-green in colour, slightly to fully hairy, 8 – 20 x 4 – 5 mm in size. Flowers – at the tips of branches they are carried in short racemes in leaf axils, orange-red in colour. Fruit – an inflated pod which when young is red and turns pale brown and papery when ripe. Seed – blackish lens-shaped seeds and about 20 can be found in a pod.

 

Habitat: Although it can grow almost anywhere, it prefers areas which are disturbed or places with gravelly soils.

 

Flowering time: September to December

 

Grazing value: This plant has a high nutritious value and is very palatable to animals. In the veld, it is completely grazed out.

 

Medicinal value: It is an Old Cape natural remedy for rheumatism, colds, flu, chicken pox, diabetes, varicose veins, piles, inflammation, stomach issues, and internal tumours. It has a solid reputation as a cancer treatment and is currently being used more frequently to enhance the immune system in the treatment of HIV/AIDS.

 

Limeum aethiopicum

Different aspects of the Limeum aethiopicum dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Marion Maclean; Nicola van Berkel; Tony Rebelo)

 

Latin name: Limeum aethiopicum

Common name: Koggelmandervoetkaroo (A).

 

Main Features General – a woody type of dwarf shrub which reaches a height of 100-200 mm and a diameter of 200 – 400 mm. Stems – are erect or spreading in nature, white to grey in colour, with stripes. Leaves – found opposite each other, narrowly strap-shaped, slightly plump, sharp white tips, the small groups of leaves resemble a rock lizard’s foot, 8 – 12 x 1 – 2 mm. Flowers – branch tips have clusters, and green bands run down the centre of the white petals. Fruit – the capsule is buff to grey and disintegrating soon. Seed – kidney-shaped, green to brown in colour, the surface has a finely warty texture.

 

Habitat: Gravelly, stony, and disturbed soils are preferred. Most commonly found in apron veld and along ridges.

 

Flowering time: November to April

 

Grazing value: This is a highly palatable species; animals will often graze it down to a stump which leaves only a tiny tree-looking stump behind. When this plant is lushly present in the veld it is a sign that the veld is in a good condition.

 

Melolobium canescens

Different aspects of the Melolobium canescens dwarf shrub species.
(Source: Ina Faber)

 

Latin name: Melolobium canescens

Common name: Heuningbos (A).

 

Main Features General – a spiny dwarf shrub with many branches, has a height of 100-400 mm and a diameter of 200 – 700 mm. Stems – have a yellowish-brown colour, yellow twigs appear at the ends of spines. Leaves – alternating and pale green in colour, consisting of three narrowly wedge-shaped leaflets, 6 – 8 x 1.5 – 2.5 mm. Flowers – yellow, pea-like, and solitary on leaf axils. Fruit – slightly curved pod which is hairy. Seed – the round seed which is grey in colour and has black veins.

 

Habitat: Stony soils are preferred, and it grows in ridges, hills, and apron veld.

 

Flowering time: June to July

 

Grazing value: Although the pods can be utilised to some extent, the rest of the plant is very spinous and unpalatable.

 

Pentzia globosa

Different aspects of the Pentzia globosa dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: David Hoare; Tony Rebelo)

 

Latin name: Pentzia globosa

Common name: Vaalkaroo (A); Bitterkaroo (A); Skaapbossie (A).

 

Main Features General – dwarf shrub which is rounded to a dome shape, can be 300-450 mm tall and have a diameter of 600 – 900 mm. Stems – grey in colour. Leaves – found alternating or in clusters, grey- to bright-green in colour, near the tips they are divided into three which results in a feather-like appearance, 4 – 6 x 0.1 – 0.3 mm. Flowers – close to or on the branch tips single daisy heads can be found, absent ray florets, and disc florets are yellow. Seed – yellow to buff, cigar-shaped.

 

Habitat: Although it prefers plains and depressions it grows everywhere.

 

Flowering time: September to March

 

Grazing value: Due to the bitter taste and smell it is less utilised by livestock as it is less palatable, however under severe pressure it can be utilised. When this species is present in the veld it can sometimes be an indication of veld deterioration. The Karoo caterpillar favours this species and can lead to severe losses in veld production.

 

Medicinal value: Convulsions, fever and belly typhus can be treated with this plant.

 

Pentzia incana

Different aspects of the Pentzia incana dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Gigi Laidler; Tony Rebelo; Nicola van Berkel; Adriaan Grobler)

 

Latin name: Pentzia incana

Common name: Ankerkaroo (A); Karoobossie (A); Anchor karoo (E).

 

Main Features General – a rounded dwarf shrub which is twiggy, new growth is soft while the old growth becomes hard and woody, 200 – 250 mm tall and 250 – 400 mm in diameter. Leaves – form grey-green clusters, the leaves are slightly fleshy, and have three short lobes which resemble fingers, 2.3 x 0.5 – 1 mm. Flowers – the branch tips have single daisy heads, absent ray florets, and yellow disc florets can be seen. Seed – yellow to buff in colour, shaped like a cigar.

 

Habitat: Although it prefers plains, ridges, and depressions, it grows in a variety of habitats.

 

Flowering time: September to October and March to April

 

Grazing value: Depending on where it grows affects its palatability, and due to its abundance, it is well utilised by livestock. The Karoo caterpillar utilises this plant as a food source and is known to cause huge losses in veld production.

 

Medicinal value: For stomach aches, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea, cramps, or any other stomach pain, the leaves can be chewed fresh or put into an infusion. Young stems can be chewed to relieve dental pain.

 

Pteronia glauca

Different aspects of the Pteronia glauca dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Gigi Laidler; David Hoare; Tony Rebelo)

 

Latin name: Pteronia glauca

Common name: Boegoekaroo (A); Perdekaroo (A); Geelboegoekaroo (A).

 

Main Features General – a woody dwarf shrub which is 300-600 mm in height and reaching more than that in diameter. Stems – pale brown to black in colour and spreading or arching in form. Leaves – located opposite each other, strap-shaped to narrowly elliptical in shape, densely grey-woolly, 4 – 7 x 1.5 – 2.5 mm in size. Flowers – branch tips have single daisy heads, bracts arranged in rows, golden yellow in colour, absent ray florets, and yellow disc florets. Seed – shaped like a cigar, covered with a pappus of grey-brown bristles.

 

Habitat: Gravelly and poor soils are preferred on plains, ridges, and hills.

 

Flowering time: September to October

 

Grazing value: This is an unpalatable and resinous species.

 

Pteronia tricephala

Different aspects of the Pteronia tricephala dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Gigi Laidler; David Hoare)

 

Latin name: Pteronia tricephala

Common name: Biltongbos (A).

 

Main Features General – many branches, woody dwarf shrub, with a height of 150-400 mm and a diameter of 300-800 mm. Stems – upright to spreading, twisted, pale brown to black in colour. Leaves – located opposite each other, semi-cylindrical or strongly keeled in shape, 4-9 x 1-1.5 mm, slightly plump, tips recurved. Flowers – tips of branches have daisy heads or groups of three, several rows of bracts, golden yellow in colour with a broad and dark midrib, absent ray florets, yellow disc florets. Seed – shaped like a cigar, covered with a pappus of golden to buff bristles.

 

Habitat: Grows well in plains and gravelly hills.

 

Flowering time: September to October

 

Grazing value: This is an unpalatable and resinous species which is an indicator species for deteriorating veld when present in abundance.

 

Salsola calluna

Different aspects of the Salsola calluna

 

Latin name: Salsola calluna

Common name: Swartganna (A).

 

Main Features General – a small dwarf shrub reaching only about 300 mm in height. Stems – blackish in colour and usually twisted or distorted, sometimes they are split or even flat and the young stems are reddish in colour. Leaves – fleshy and hard. Flowers – small, discrete yellow flowers. Seed – tiny and reddish in colour with wings.

 

Habitat: This plant can grow in plains, apron veld and ridges.

 

Flowering time: September to March

 

Grazing value: Livestock readily consumes this species as it is very palatable.

 

Salsola glabrescens

Different aspects of the Salsola glabrescens dwarf shrub

 

Latin name: Salsola glabrescens

Common name: Rooilootganna (A); Kortbeenganna (A); Regte ganna (A).

 

Main Features General – this is a dwarf shrub which is variable and rather big as it reaches 1 500 mm in height and diameter. Stems – woody and red in colour for the young shoots. Leaves – alternating, bluish-green to green, narrowly strap-shaped, densely packed with hairs. Flowers – in panicles that are composed of yellowish green, winged, sparsely floral spikes.

 

Habitat: It can grow in the riparian veld, depressions and sometimes also plains.

 

Flowering time: N/A

 

Grazing value: When fresh, sheep and goats readily browse this species as it is very palatable.

 

Selago saxatilis

Different aspects of the Selago saxatilis dwarf shrub species.
(Source: Dominic Henry)

 

Latin name: Selago saxatilis

Common name: Pypsteelkaroo (A).

 

Main Features General – a much-branched soft dwarf shrub, old growth becomes woody, 200 – 400 mm in height and 150 – 300 mm in diameter. Stems – seldom branched and straight. Leaves – forms small clusters which are strap-shaped and up to 2 x 0.8 mm in size. Flowers – branch tips have many long spikes, white in colour and densely packed. Fruit – a capsule which is round and buff.

 

Habitat: Prefers stony soil but can grow almost anywhere.

 

Flowering time: September to October and April to May

 

Grazing value: This species is completely unpalatable and cannot be utilised at all. When this species increases in an area it is an indicator of veld deterioration.

 

Solanum elaeagnifolium

Different aspects of the Solanum elaeagnifolium dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Savvas Zafeiriou; Thomas Shahan; Anna N Chapman; Jon Mcintyre)

 

Latin name: Solanum elaeagnifolium

Common name: Satansbos (A); Silver-leaved nightshade (E).

 

Main Features General – an upright, leafy dwarf shrub which can reach heights of 100 – 1 000 mm. Stems – nettle-like prickles cover the stem. Leaves – downy hairs cover both sides, silvery-green in colour, 25 – 100 x 10 – 30 mm, edges are shallowly waved. Flowers – five yellow stamens, blue, pink, or deep purple petals, and a pistel form a protruding centre in a 1 – 4 flower inflorescence. Fruit – orange, yellow or red berries are produced.

 

Habitat: This species is known to grow in disturbed areas such as cultivated lands, flood plains and plains.

 

Flowering time: April to August

 

Grazing value: Not grazed at all.

 

Toxicity: This species is toxic to livestock, especially cattle.

 

Invasiveness: It is a major agricultural weed and is classified as a Category 1 invader. Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to control.

 

Zygophyllum incrustatum

Different aspects of the Zygophyllum incrustatum dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Gigi Laidler; Luke Gallant; Tony Rebello)

 

Latin name: Zygophyllum incrustatum

Common name: Witkriedoring (A); Ysterbos (A); Skeleton bush (E).

 

Main Features General – dwarf shrub with lots of branches, woody, 500 – 1 000 mm in height and 500 – 1 200 mm in diameter. Stems – buff or pale grey in colour, young branches often end up as spines. Leaves – bright green in colour, alternating, two lobes are formed by each leaf. Flowers – solitary in leaf axils and yellow in colour. Fruit – winger capsule with a blackish colour, dried remains of the style cover it.

 

Habitat: This plant is often found alone. It grows in plains, brackish veld and depressions.

 

Flowering time: September to October and April to May

 

Grazing value: As a result of its spines it is less palatable and acceptable to livestock.

 

Zygophyllum lichtensteinianum

Different aspects of the Zygophyllum lichtensteinianum dwarf shrub species.
(Sources: Pat Brown; Shaun Swanepoel; Marion Maclean)

Latin name: Zygophyllum lichtensteinianum

Common name: Spekbos (A); Skilpadbos (A); Vaalspekbos (A).

 

Main Features General – dwarf shrub with lots of branches, woody, 250 – 500 mm tall, 300 – 600 mm diameter. Stems – dusty grey. Leaves – alternating leaf pattern, blue-green colour, two lobes formed by each leaf, 3 – 6 x 1 – 4 mm. Flowers – solitary leaf axils, creamy yellow colour. Fruit – blue-green in colour, capsule with 5 wings, dried remains of the style cover the fruit.

 

Habitat: Found in plains, rocky ridges, depressions, and hills.

 

Flowering time: September to February

 

Grazing value: Although it is a palatable plant for animals, under dry conditions it loses its leaves.