wilde-als
mhlonyane
umhlonyane
Aromatic, perennial shrub, 0.5–2 m, with ridged, woody stems. Soft, finely divided, grey-green leaves, lighter beneath, covered with white bristles. Blossoms in late summer (autumn), abundant cream/yellow flower heads (3–5 mm). Pungent, sweet smell when bruised. Fast-growing, forms thick clumps; visually distinctive for silvery foliage and scent.
Insects: Not specified; aromatic foliage may deter some insects, flowers may attract pollinators. Wildlife: Not specified. Soil: Not a nitrogen fixer. Ecosystem Services: Used in traditional medicine, supports pollinators, may deter pests in gardens
Cream/yellow flower heads in autumn; likely insect-pollinated
Not available
Sow in spring or summer
Easy; root in spring/summer
One of the oldest and best-known medicinal plants in southern Africa; used for coughs, colds, fever, loss of appetite, colic, headache, earache, worms, malaria; leaves used in various preparations (tea, poultice, smoke, enema, lotion, snuff); roots, stems, leaves used
