African herb (Sutherlandia frutescens) 5 seeds

African Herb - Sutherlandia frutescens - 5 Seeds

This plant originates from North Africa and is used as a tonic or decoction.

Generally speaking, it is an attractive garden plant that has been cultivated in gardens for many years. These attractive small sub-shrubs reach heights of 0.5 to 1 m. The leaves are pinnate, felted and grey in colour. The flowers are orange-red, up to 35 mm long, arranged in short clusters. They appear in spring to mid-summer (September to December). The bladder-shaped fruit can be used in dried flower arrangements. It retains its colour and shape for a long time.

How to Grow Sutherlandia

• The plant prefers full sun and dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils. The plant is very drought-tolerant, so it's better to water it less. It is not frost-hardy, so when growing in containers, remember to bring the plant indoors for winter in time.

• Seeds must be lightly abraded (scarified) and only then sown on the surface of prepared substrate. Place the seedlings in a bright, warm location and maintain constant moisture.

• Use substrate for cacti and succulents, or mix houseplant substrate with sand and coarse medium 2:1.

• Fertilize once a month with regular complete fertilizer.

• If growing the plant in a greenhouse, it may be attacked by spider mites. Use an appropriate pesticide to control these pests.

  The plant suffers from root rot caused by excessive watering, so in winter months it's better to water only when the substrate is dry.

Photo Sources:
By Winfried Bruenken (Amrum) - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8968890