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Speckled Spurflower
Plectranthus ciliatus
SA tree number
English: Speckled Spurflower, Hairy Plectranthus, Eyelash Spur-flower, White Wild Sage
Afrikaans: Harige Muishondblaar, Gespikkelde Muishondblaar, Wimperspoorsalie
Xhosa: Ipeletekanthus
Zulu: Umpambabala, Umvusankunzi, Umsuthuza
S. Sotho: Lephele-phele
Historical scientific names: Coleus ciliatus, Plectranthus natalensis
Plectranthus ciliatus, commonly known as Speckled Spurflower or Harige Muishondblaar, is a charming indigenous evergreen perennial. It is highly valued for its attractive, velvety, dark green leaves with purplish undersides and distinctive pale veins, as well as its delicate spikes of white to pale lilac flowers. This fast-growing plant makes an excellent groundcover, particularly for shady and moist areas in South African gardens.
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Distinguishing features:
Leaves are opposite, oval, velvety, and dark green on top with purplish undersides.
Distinctive pale green or whitish veins on the upper surface of the leaves.
Stems are square in cross-section and often purplish, trailing and rooting at nodes.
Delicate spikes of white to pale lilac or bluish-white flowers.
Forms a dense groundcover, especially in shade.
Overall appearance:
The Speckled Spurflower (Plectranthus ciliatus) is a lovely evergreen perennial that creates a lush carpet of foliage. It's easily recognised by its soft, velvety, dark green leaves which are famously purple on the underside and have striking pale veins on top. From late summer into autumn, it produces delicate, airy spikes of white to pale lilac flowers, adding a gentle splash of colour to its preferred shady spots.
Height:
Typically grows 15 to 30 centimetres tall.
Width:
Forms a dense, spreading groundcover, typically covering 60 cm to over 1 metre, as its stems trail and root at the nodes.
Leaves:
The leaves are opposite, simple, broadly oval to almost rounded, and measure 3-8 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. They have a velvety texture on the upper surface, which is dark green with prominent, sunken pale green or whitish veins, giving them a 'speckled' appearance (hence the common name). The underside of the leaf is typically a rich purplish colour. The margins are coarsely toothed or crenate (scalloped). The petioles (leaf stalks) are often purplish and hairy.
Flowers:
The flowers are small, tubular, two-lipped (characteristic of the mint family), and borne in slender, branched spikes (racemes) at the ends of stems. They are typically white, pale lilac, or bluish-white, often with purple spots or markings on the lower lip. The flowers are delicate and airy. Plectranthus ciliatus flowers are hermaphroditic.
Flowering season:
Flowers mainly in late summer to autumn (around February to May), often creating a lovely display when many other plants are finishing their bloom.
Fruits:
The fruit consists of four tiny, dark, smooth nutlets (seeds), typical of the Lamiaceae family.
Seeds:
The seeds are very small, rounded, and dark brown to black.
Stems:
The stems are fleshy, somewhat brittle, square in cross-section, and often purplish. They have a trailing and sprawling habit, readily rooting at the nodes where they touch the ground, which allows for rapid spread.
Thorns:
None.
Roots:
Produces a shallow, fibrous root system, with adventitious roots developing readily from the spreading stems, enabling it to colonise areas quickly.
Soil type:
Prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It tolerates a range of soil types from sandy to loamy clay. It performs best in consistently moist conditions but can tolerate short dry spells.
Aspect:
Thrives in partial shade to full shade. Direct, harsh sun can scorch its leaves. It prefers high humidity and requires consistent moisture. It is sensitive to frost; severe frost will cause the foliage to die back, but the plant generally recovers from its roots if protected from extreme cold. It performs very well under trees and in sheltered, damp spots.
Ediblity:
Not typically considered edible for humans. While some Plectranthus species have edible tubers or leaves, Plectranthus ciliatus is not known for human consumption.
Toxicity:
Generally considered to be non-toxic. However, like many plants, individual sensitivities can vary, and it's always best to avoid ingesting ornamental plants.
Uses:
Excellent ornamental groundcover, especially for shaded and semi-shaded areas in gardens.
Ideal for planting under trees, in moist borders, or as a spilling plant in containers and hanging baskets.
Its attractive foliage provides year-round interest.
Useful for suppressing weeds due to its dense growth habit.
Ecology:
The delicate flowers attract various small insect pollinators, including bees and hoverflies. The plant's dense growth habit provides good groundcover and shelter for small invertebrates. Its rapid spread via rooting stems allows it to colonise areas quickly, playing a role in stabilising soil and reducing erosion in its natural habitat. It forms part of the undergrowth in forests and woodlands.
Distribution and habitat:
Plectranthus ciliatus is indigenous to South Africa and is found in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, extending into Mpumalanga and Swaziland. It typically grows in the understorey of evergreen forests, forest margins, along stream banks, and in moist, shaded ravines, preferring damp and humid conditions.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Plectranthus comes from the Greek words 'plektron' (a spur) and 'anthos' (a flower), referring to the spur-like projection at the base of the flower tube in some species.
The species epithet ciliatus is Latin for 'fringed with hairs', referring to the small hairs often found along the leaf margins or other parts of the plant.
The common name "Speckled Spurflower" refers to the speckled appearance of the leaves (due to the veins) and the 'spur' characteristic of the flowers.
"Hairy Plectranthus" refers to the hairy texture of the leaves and stems.
Historical aspects:
Plectranthus ciliatus has been cultivated in gardens for many years, admired for its attractive foliage and shade tolerance. As part of the diverse Plectranthus genus (which has recently undergone significant reclassification, with many species now falling under Coleus or other genera), it has been a well-known indigenous plant, valued for its ornamental qualities and its role in natural ecosystems.
Interesting facts:
This plant's leaves are like little velvety paintings – they're dark green on top with cool pale veins, and a surprise purple on the underside!
Even its stems are interesting – they're square, not round, and they love to crawl along the ground, rooting as they go.
It's like a natural carpet for shady spots, covering the ground densely and keeping weeds out.
It's part of the mint family, so if you lightly crush a leaf, you might detect a faint, pleasant aroma!
Growing tips:
Propagation: Extremely easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply snip a piece of stem (preferably with a few nodes), remove the lower leaves, and insert into moist potting mix. It roots very quickly.
Light: Prefers partial to full shade. Avoid harsh direct sun.
Watering: Requires consistently moist soil, especially in summer. Do not allow it to dry out completely.
Soil: Plant in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter.
Container: Excellent for hanging baskets and pots where its trailing stems can cascade.
Maintenance: Very low maintenance. Can be trimmed to maintain shape or encourage bushiness. Protect from severe frost.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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