Plumbago

Description:

The phlox-like flowers are in rounded clusters at the branched stem tips. The individual flowers are tubular, 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, and have 5 spreading, round-tipped lobes. There are sticky, glandular hairs at the base of the flowers. The flowers are followed by sticky seed capsules. The leaves are yellowish green and elliptic, oblanceolate, or spoon-shaped. The stems are weak, green to woody, and erect, sprawling, or climbing.

Habitat:

Shrub, Vine, Herb/Forb

Notes:

Common name: Plumbago, Cape Leadwort, Cape Plumbago Scientific name: Plumbago auriculata Geographic area of origin: southern Africa Common uses/hazards/importance: The plants are poisonous. Distinguishing features: The phlox-like flowers are in rounded clusters at the branched stem tips. The individual flowers are tubular, 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, and have 5 spreading, round-tipped lobes. There are sticky, glandular hairs at the base of the flowers. The flowers are followed by sticky seed capsules. The leaves are yellowish green and elliptic, oblanceolate, or spoon-shaped. The stems are weak, green to woody, and erect, sprawling, or climbing. Date and method of arrival in Hawaii: Indigenous? no Endemic? no Invasive? no Other interesting historical, cultural, or ecological information: belief that the plant was a cure for lead poisoning.