Chaenostoma pauciflora

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Chaenostoma pauciflora Benth.

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Common names: trailing phlox; rankende floks (Afr.)

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Introduction

This is an attractive, dainty-looking, trailing perennial groundcover with small, triangular, dark leaves and tiny white flowers.

Flowers

Description

Chaenostoma pauciflora (pronounced Kee-no-stoma) is a trailing perennial groundcover, with evergreen herbaceous foliage. The leaves are opposite and triangular with toothed margins. The largest blades of the leaf is 5-12mm×5-9mm. Chaenostoma pauciflora grows up to 10cm high and spreads up to 45cm. Flowers are axillary with a very short corolla tube which is broadly funnel-shaped; flowering time is from September to April. Seeds are pale in colour.

Trailing growth of plant

Chaenostoma pauciflora is closely allied to C. rotundifolia however, C. pauciflora differs in having longer hairs on the vegetative parts and calyx, and leaves may be elliptic. The most significant characteristic of C. pauciflorum is the length of the corolla tube, and shape and toothed margins of the leaves.

Chaenostoma pauciflora is a somewhat hardy perennial that grows fast in any soil type and spreads vigorously.

Conservation Status

Status

Chaenostoma pauciflora is Red Listed as Least Concern.

Distribution and habitat

Distribution description

Chaenostoma pauciflora is endemic to South African and distributed in the centre of the country through parts of the Northern and Western Cape provinces.

It grows in partial shade, but prefers full sunlights. It is found thriving in karroid vegetation on rocky mountain slopes.

Derivation of name and historical aspects

History

The genus name, Chaenostoma, means gaping mouth. The specific epithet, pauciflora, is derived from the Latin words pauci- , meaning `a few', and - flora, meaning `flowers'.

Ecology

Chaenostoma pauciflora is pollinated by bees.

In bag ready for planting

Uses

Use

There are no cultural uses known for this plant. It is mainly known for its horticultural purposes, as it is often planted in hanging baskets or between stepping stones.

Growing Chaenostoma pauciflora

Grow

Chaenostoma pauciflora is propagated by cuttings or by separating rooted runners. Replant the rooted runners and water thoroughly until the plant is well established. Chaenostoma pauciflora is useful to plant at the edges of water gardens, under trees, to support soil in wet areas, and often used as a ground cover between stepping stones or sleepers. The plant is also perfect for hanging baskets.

References

Hilliard, O.M. 1994. The Manulea. A Tribe of Scrophulariaceae. Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh.
Joffe, P. 2001. Creative gardening with indigenous plants. A South African guide . Briza, Pretoria.
Manning, J., Goldblatt, P. 2013. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: the Core Cape flora . Strelitzia 29. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.

Credits

Acknowledgement.: Shirley Smithies of the National Herbarium, Pretoria is thanked for assistance.

Sthembile Zondi
KwaZulu-Natal NBG
August 2013

Plant Attributes:

Plant Type: Ground Cover, Perennial, Shrub

SA Distribution: Northern Cape, Western Cape

Soil type: Sandy

Flowering season: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Autumn

PH:

Flower colour: White

Aspect: Full Sun, Morning Sun (Semi Shade), Afternoon Sun (Semi Shade)

Gardening skill: Easy

Special Features:

Good potplant

Feeds honeybees

Chaenostoma pauciflora