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Money Plant
Justicia capensis
SA tree number
English: Money Plant, Cape Justicia, Honeysuckle Justicia, Cape Honeysuckle, Bush Honeysuckle, Wild Honeysuckle
Afrikaans: Sakemansplant, Kaapse Kanferfoelie
Zulu: Ihlalanyosi, Ikhokhela
Synonyms: Adhatoda capensis, Gendarussa capensis, Justicia amygdalina, Justicia oleifolia, Justicia sansibarensis
Justicia capensis, also known as the Money Plant, is a cheerful little shrub from South Africa. It's covered in masses of small, bright pink to mauve flowers, often with darker markings, and has a reputation for bringing good luck (hence the name!). It's a pretty and easy-going plant, perfect for adding a pop of colour to a sunny spot.
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Distinguishing features:
Evergreen shrub or subshrub up to 60 cm tall
Scented bright pink to mauve tubular flowers with white markings, present year‑round
Flowers in loose axillary clusters
Fruit elongated capsules (~2–3 mm seeds)
Stems yellow‑pale to green, slightly woody
Overall appearance:
A small, much-branched, spreading shrub.
Height:
Typically grows to 30-60 cm high.
Width:
Can spread 30-60 cm wide.
Leaves:
The leaves are opposite, simple, and small, 1-3 cm long and 0.5-1.5 cm wide.
They are oval to elliptic in shape, a green colour, and have a smooth texture.
The leaf margins are entire (smooth).
Flowers:
The flowers are small, 1-2 cm long, and tubular, with a two-lipped shape.
They are usually bright pink to mauve, often with darker markings on the lower lip.
They are borne in dense, axillary or terminal spikes or panicles (branched clusters).
Flowering season:
Primarily spring and summer (typically September to February), but can flower sporadically throughout the year.
Fruits:
The fruit is a small, capsule that splits open to release the seeds.
Seeds:
The seeds are small and black.
Bark:
The bark is greyish-brown and smooth when young, becoming slightly rougher with age.
Soil type:
Prefers well-drained soil, such as sandy or loam soils.
Aspect:
Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Distribution and habitat:
Native range from southern Kenya to South Africa (Eastern Cape, KwaZulu‑Natal)
Habitats include coastal thicket, open woodland, forest margins and rocky hillsides
Fun Facts about Justicia capensis (Money Plant):
Derivation of name:
capensis references the Cape region where it was first described
Afrikaans name “Sakemansplant” (literally “businessman’s plant”) reflects folklore associating it with good fortune; English “Money Plant” similarly refers to this tradition
Growing tips:
Plant in well‑drained soil, in sun or partial shade.
Water moderately; tolerates short periods of drought once established.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage fuller growth.
Can be propagated from seed or cuttings.
Hardy in frost‑free areas; young plants benefit from some winter protection.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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