Aristea ecklonii
Aristea ecklonii Baker
Family: Iridaceae
Common names: blue stars (Eng.); blousterre (Afr.); umhushuza (IsiZulu)
Introduction
Aristea ecklonii is an indigenous, evergreen perennial with attractive, blue, star-like flowers that make quite a show in early summer and late spring. It grows fast and attracts butterflies.
Description
Description
Aristea ecklonii is a frost-hardy perennial, growing in clumps up to 50 cm high. Leaves are broad, sword-shaped, mostly 8-12 mm wide and soft. Flowers deep blue, tepals 6, mostly 8-10 mm long, style three-lobed. Flowering September to December, each flower lasting a day. Grows well in direct sun or light shade. Prefers medium levels of watering. Rhizomatous roots system. The fruit is an oblong 3-angled capsule. Aristea ecklonii can take 2 to 3 years to reach its ultimate height.
Conservation Status
Status
Aristea ecklonii is listed as a species of Least Concern (LC), meaning that it is at low risk of extinction, because it is widespread.
Distribution and habitat
Distribution description
Aristea ecklonii is found in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, and as far north as Tanzania. It is frost-hardy and grows best in well-drained soils. Grows in shrubland, open and disturbed forest as well as on streambanks and on rocky, bare land.
Derivation of name and historical aspects
History
The name Aristea is derived from the Latin word arista, meaning 'spike' or 'point' and refers to the rigid points of the leaves. The specific epithet ecklonii was named after Christian Ecklon 1795-1868, born in Denmark, an apothecary, traveller, and plant collector.
Ecology
Ecology
Aristea ecklonii seeds are dispersed by wind and water. They germinate after fire, and plants flower most profusely in a year after the fire.
Uses
Use
Aristea ecklonii can be used as a potted plant or outdoors as a mixed perennial border or bed. It can be used for courtyard gardens, informal gardens as well as a ground cover.
Aristea ecklonii is also recorded as being used in traditional medicine to treat fever, coughs, and venereal diseases. It is also used to treat internal sores and as a protective charm.
Growing Aristea ecklonii
Grow
Aristea ecklonii is best propagated by seeds which are produced abundantly, as well as by division of the rooted clumps. Clumps are divided in autumn and should be watered immediately afterwards. Sow seeds onto a good soil-based compost. Cover seeds with fine grit or compost approximately as thickly as their own size. Germination is best achieved at 15-20°C. Although the seeds of Aristea ecklonii may be sown at any time, they wait for the spring before emerging.
Aristeas are not easily cultivated. Therefore, if cultivated in the garden, the soil should be humus-rich, with plenty of moisture and full sun. Lack of this may result in non-flowering of the plant. Aristea ecklonii can withstand temperatures down to 12°C. However, they need fire to stimulate flowering and produce more flowers in the spring following a fire.
References
- Hutchings, A., Scott, A.H., Lewis, G. & Cunningham, A.B. 1996. Zulu medicinal plants: an inventory. University of Natal Press, Pietermaritzburg.
- Pooley, E. 1998. A field guide to wild flowers of Kwazulu-Natal and the eastern region. Natal Flora Publications Trust, Durban.
- Raimondo, D., Von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. & Manyama, P.A. (eds) 2009. Red list of South African plants. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Credits
Sthembile Zondi
KwaZulu-Natal NBG
October 2013
Plant Attributes:
Plant Type: Perennial
SA Distribution: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga
Soil type: Loam
Flowering season: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer
PH: Acid
Flower colour: Blue
Aspect: Full Sun
Gardening skill: Easy
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