Gomphostigma virgatum

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Gomphostigma virgatum [L.f.] Baill.

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Common names: river star, otter bush, besembossie

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Introduction

Gomphostigma virgatum is a beautiful, evergreen, perennial shrub that can grow up to 2,6m high.

Description

It has slender, flexible, silvery gray branches. Leaves are oppositely arranged, simple and narrowly shaped. It makes a stunning show when covered in white scented flowers during summer (December and January).

Distribution and habitat

Distribution description

The river star occurs along rivers and watercourses throughout South Africa, including Zimbabwe. It is one of those plants that will grow with their roots at the edge of a stream.

Derivation of name and historical aspects

History

The name Gomphostigma comes from the Greek gomphos, a club referring the club shaped-shaped stigma; and virgatum means willowy or twiggy.

Ecology

Birds apparently use the juvenile branches for nest building because of their flexibility. This plant is a specific host for an endemic dodder (Cuscuta sp.) which is a curious plant parasite.

Uses

Use

Gomphostigma virgatum is used traditionally to restore strength to a very tired person. Serviceable brooms are made from the longer twigs, which are cut before the flowers appear. It is also browsed down by stock.

Growing Gomphostigma virgatum

Grow

Propagation of this plant is very easy from semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the growing season. It also propagates well by simple layering of juvenile branches. Once is established it can be pruned down to encourage bushiness. . It is a beautiful plant for a water garden. In the garden it should be planted in full sun provided there is adequate water supply. Cut back drastically after winter to encourage bushiness and more flowers for the following season.

At the Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden ( Walter Sisulu NBG) it is growing at the Water Garden and in the wetland area at the SASOL dam.

References

Germishuizen, G., Meyer, N.L., Steenkamp, Y. & Keith, M. (eds) 2006. A Checklist of South African plants. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 41. SABONET, Pretoria.
Pooley, E, 1998. A Field Guide to Wild Flowers Kwazulu-Natal and the eastern region. Natal Publication Trust
Fabian, A, and G. Germishuizen, 1997. Wild Flowers of Northern South Africa. Fernwood Press
Smith, C.A, 1966. Common Names of South African Plants. Pretoria

Credits

Thompson T Mutshinyalo
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
December 2001

Plant Attributes:

Plant Type: Shrub

SA Distribution: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape, Western Cape

Soil type: Sandy

Flowering season: Early Summer

PH: Neutral

Flower colour:

Aspect: Full Sun

Gardening skill: Average

Special Features:

Attracts birds

Useful plant

Wet sites

Gomphostigma virgatum