textAdminOnlyNameForClipboard
Doll's Rose
Hermannia althaeoides
SA tree number
English: Doll's Rose
Afrikaans: Moederkappie
Synonyms: Hermannia candicans
Hermannia althaeoides, also known as Doll's Rose, graces the Western and Eastern Cape veld with its delicate, bell-shaped flowers. This charming plant, with its sprawling habit, offers excellent potential for garden use, particularly in rockeries, yet remains surprisingly underappreciated.
Have you got a better picture?
If you don't mind us using it, please upload it by clicking the Upload button below (you must be logged in to do this)
Distinguishing features:
Small shrub, typically branching at the base with ascending branches.
Leaves often have minute glandular or star-like hairs.
Flowers have five petals, often twisted.
Possesses a thick woody stem and root that forms an underground stem.
Can be heavily grazed by stock and small game in the wild.
Overall appearance:
A small, much-branched, spreading, evergreen shrub, sometimes described as a dwarf shrub.
Height:
Typically grows to 30-60 cm high.
Width:
Can spread 30-60 cm wide.
Leaves:
The leaves are alternate, simple, and velvety, 1-5 cm long and 0.6-3 cm wide.
They are usually three-lobed or deeply toothed, giving them a slightly fern-like appearance.
They are a greyish-green colour and can vary in pubescence from densely and smoothly to roughly and thinly tomentose (surface that is covered in dense, matted, woolly hairs).
The upper surface may have sunken veins and stellate pubescence (the hairs are branched and radiate outwards from a central point, much like the points of a star), while the lower surface has prominent veins and is softly whitish tomentose.
Flowers:
The flowers grow in clusters (cymes) that sprout where the leaves meet the stem (axils) near the top of the plant.
Each cluster has just a few flowers.
The flower stalks (peduncles) are short, less than 1 cm long.
The even tinier stalks that connect individual flowers to the cluster (pedicels) are densely pubescent (fuzzy).
The flowers are small, up to 11mm long, and change color from yellow to red.
The flower's base (calyx) is shaped like a bell, is delicate, and has 5 lobes.
The petals are rounded on top and taper to a point at the bottom.
Flowering season:
Primarily spring and summer (August to May).
Fruits:
The fruit is a small, rounded capsule, up to 0.8 cm long, that splits open to release the seeds.
It is usually exposed and about as long as the petals.
Seeds:
The seeds are small and black.
Roots:
Strong, thick rootstocks and underground stems.
This enables the plants to withstand fires and severe drought.
Soil type:
Prefers well-drained soil, such as sandy or loam soils.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun.
Uses:
Horticultural potential: Hermannia species are undervalued as garden plants but have high horticultural potential for their ornamental flowers. They can be planted for a dash of colour, as groundcovers, trailing from hanging baskets, or as container plants.
Medicinal: Many members of the genus Hermannia are used medicinally for various ailments, including respiratory diseases, coughs, internal aches, as stimulants or purgatives, and to soothe wounds and cuts. The common name "pleisterbos" (for Hermannia cuneifolia) refers to the use of leaves as plasters. Leaves of some species are infused in a tea to "clean the blood". Hermannia althaeifolia (which may be a misspelling of althaeoides or a closely related species) was used in the late 1700s to make a medicinal tea for treating syphilis.
Ecology:
Survival: Possesses strong, thick rootstocks and underground stems, enabling it to withstand fires in the highveld and overcome severe drought in arid areas.
Grazing: Mostly very palatable to stock and small game, and generally heavily grazed.
Veld indicator: Some species are an indication of good veld (pasture).
Distribution and habitat:
South African endemic.
Provincial distribution: Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape, Western Cape.
Terrestrial major system.
Found in various habitats. Often occurs in dry fynbos and karroid shrubland. Also listed as a dwarf shrub in coastal thicket.
Derivation of name:
The genus Hermannia is named after Paul Hermann (1640–1695), a German professor of botany at Leyden, who collected many plants at the Cape.
The species name althaeoides is derived from the genus Althaea, referring to a resemblance to plants in that genus, which includes mallows.
Historical aspects:
Hermannia species were cultivated in Europe in the late 18th century for decorative or medicinal use. Various Hermannia species have long been used in traditional medicine in South Africa.
Interesting facts:
Hermannia althaeoides is part of a plant family often called the "little porcelain bells" of the veld – how charming is that for a name?
This plant is a true survivor! It has special thick roots and underground stems that help it bounce back after wildfires and tough droughts, making it super resilient.
Even though it's quite an attractive plant, it's often overlooked by gardeners, which is a shame because it can add such a unique touch to a garden with its pretty, often twisted, bell-like flowers.
Many plants in the Hermannia family have been used in traditional medicine for all sorts of things, from soothing coughs to healing wounds. It’s like a natural pharmacy in the veld!
Growing tips:
Planting location: Hermannia althaeoides loves full sun and will flower much more abundantly if it gets plenty of light.
Soil and watering: Good drainage is essential for Hermannia species. While it can handle dry conditions, it will thrive and flower best if watered well. Be careful not to overwater, especially if you think it's one of the arid-loving types.
Pruning: Prune the plants during winter by cutting away old growth points.
Frost: Cape Hermannia species can be frost-sensitive, so if you're in an area with severe frosty winters, consider protecting it.
Propagation: While not specifically detailed for Hermannia althaeoides, many Hermannia species can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Generally, seeds are sown in autumn, and softwood or herbaceous cuttings can be taken in spring to early summer.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Plant family (derivation)