geelplakkie, meelplakkie, plakkie, voëlbrandewyn
utshwala benyoni
utywala bentaka
Succulent perennial forming a basal rosette of large, paddle-shaped, whitish-green fleshy leaves with reddish margins in winter or strong sun. Leaves are covered with a white powdery bloom. After 3 – 4 years, produces a tall flowering spike (up to 1 m) with compact green cymes and yellow tubular flowers. Dies after flowering (monocarpic). Striking container or rockery plant for dry gardens.
Insects:Flowers pollinated by ants, bees, and other flying insects.Wildlife:Not browsed due to toxicity.Soil:Not a nitrogen fixer.Ecosystem Services:Pioneer in rocky, disturbed sites; stabilizes soil.
Tall spike with yellow tubular flowers attracts bees, ants, and flying insects. Tiny, dust-like seeds wind-dispersed.
Not documented
Sow dust-like seeds on surface of sandy mix; germinates in 2 – 4 weeks.
Leaf or stem cuttings; allow to callus, then plant in sandy soil.
Used as a charm by Sotho; medicinal for earache, colds, and as an anthelmintic enema. Toxic to sheep and potentially humans.
