Hilliardiella oligocephala
Introduction
Hilliardiella oligocephala is an attractive perennial with bicolored leaves and attractive bright purple flowers. It is the most common silver-leafed species indigenous to the southern African grasslands. It was previously called Vernonia oligocephala.
Description
Description
The bicoloured-leaved Hilliardiella oligocephala is an erect, often tufted herbaceous perennial plant with flowering branches that develop from a woody rootstock. It grows up to 300-800 mm high. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, up to 40 mm long, dark green on the upper surface and silvery velvety below. Its bright violet flower heads are about 10 mm long and borne in large clusters towards the branch tips. It flowers from August to December.
Conservation Status
Status
Hilliardiella oligocephala is not threatened in its natural habitat.
Distribution and habitat
Distribution description
Hilliardiella oligocephala is widely distributed in South Africa, it occurs in wooded rocky grassland areas in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, North-West, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape, and in the neighbouring countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia. It may easily be confused with H. aristata, which was previously known as Vernonia natalensis especially when sprouting after veldfires, as both species occur in the same areas and flower at the same time.
Derivation of name and historical aspects
History
Hilliardiella honours the botanist, Dr Olive May Hilliard. There are approximately 8 species in the genus. The specific epithet, oligocephala, means with few heads.
Ecology
Ecology
Hilliardiella oligocephala attracts many insects especially bees and butterflies to its colourful flowers. The light seeds with hairy parachutes are dispersed by the wind. This plant has developed adaptations to the challenges faced by grassland plants such as regular fires; this it achieves through dying back to its underground rootstock during the dry, fire-prone winter months.
Uses
Use
Hilliardiella oligocephala is used to make ubulawu, which is the local isiZulu word for plants that cause visionary and prophetic dreams, and allows one to connect with and receive messages from the spiritual world. Its fresh leaves, roots or twigs are pulverized and the infusion is taken orally or used as tea. It is also used as a remedy against mild forms of diabetes.
According to Pooley (1998) this plant is traditionally used to treat intestinal problems e.g. abdominal pain, colic and other complaints as well as to drive away hailstorms. Its roots have also been used to treat ulcerative colitis.
Growing Hilliardiella oligocephala
Grow
Hilliardiella oligocephala is an ideal garden plant for semi-natural grassland and looks beautiful when planted en masse or in groups. It can be propagated from both cuttings and seeds. Collect and sow seeds in spring or late summer; alternatively, make cuttings of perennial types in summer. It is resistant to frost as it is deciduous. It requires minimal maintenance and grows well, relying on rainwater alone, making it useful for water-wise gardening.
References
- Germishuizen, G. 1997. Wild flowers of northern South Africa. Fernwood Press, Vlaeberg, Cape Town.
- Hutchings, A. 1996. Zulu medicinal plants. 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.
- Van Der Spuy, U. 1971. Wild flowers of South Africa for the garden. Hugh Keartland Publishers, Johannesburg.
- Van Wyk, A.E. (Braam). 1988. Field guide to wild flowers of the Highveld. Struik, Cape Town.
- Robinson, HE 'Revisions in paleotropical Vernonieae (Asteraceae).' Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 112:1 (1999): 220-247
Credits
Nomazotsho Mankazana
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
September 2009
Plant Attributes:
Plant Type: Perennial
SA Distribution: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape
Soil type:
Flowering season: Spring, Early Summer
PH:
Flower colour: Purple
Aspect: Full Sun
Gardening skill: Average
Special Features:
Medical plant
Useful plant
Horticultural zones
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