F08220B6 6B59 4AC4 8A3F 321690572B97
F08220B6 6B59 4AC4 8A3F 321690572B97

Common names: wild rosemary, Cape snowbush (English); wilderoosmaryn, kapokbos (Afrikaans). 
Botanical name: Eriocephalus africanus

Eriocephalus africanus, also called wild rosemary or Cape snowbush, is an evergreen shrub with aromatic, needle-like gray leaves. It produces fluffy white seed heads resembling cotton wool. This tough, drought-resistant plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Prune as needed to shape. Plant in groups with other water-wise plants. Propagate easily from seeds in spring or autumn, or from tip cuttings. It has a long history of herbal uses like treating coughs and promoting hair growth.

Uses & Benefits: aromatic, cosmetics, culinary herb, flavouring, food, insect repellent, medicine, pot plant, potpourri, small garden, tea, water-wise, wind tolerant

All Plant Profiles

Nature & Cultivation

Family: Asteraceae
Type: shrub, succulent
Vegetation type: Peninsula Shale Renosterveld 
Flower colour: white
Flowering season: Spring, Winter
Plant-animal interactions: bees, birds, butterflies
Red list status: Least Concern

Light-level: full sun, semi-shade
Soil type: clay, loamy, sandy, well-composted, well-drained
Soil pH: Acidic, Alkaline, Neutral
Propagation: cuttings, seed

Use as Medicine

Safety: caution with high doses

Herbal traditions: Cape Herbal Medicine
Plant parts used: growing tips, leaves

First-aid use: anxiety, colds & 'flu, colic, cough, depression, fever, flatulence, indigestion, oedema, stomach ache, stress 
Medical use:  
Veterinary use:  

Plant qualities: aromatic, bitter, calming, cleansing, soothing
Plant actions: analgesic / anodyne, anti-cancer, anti-depressive / thymoleptic, antibacterial, antioxidant, carminative, decongestant, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, febrifuge / anti-pyretic, haemostatic / anti-haemorrhagic / styptic, spasmolytic / anti-spasmodic
Phytochemical constituents: apigenin, hesperidin, luteolin

Plant preparations: bath, cream, decoction, dried, essential oil, fresh, infusion - aqueous, salve, smudge, steam, tincture, wash

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