Phygelius capensis

Phygelius capensis, the cape figwort or cape fuchsia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Scrophulariaceae, native to South Africa.

Phygelius capensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Genus: Phygelius
Species:
P. capensis
Binomial name
Phygelius capensis

Description

It is a semi-evergreen shrub growing to 120 cm (47 in) tall by 150 cm (59 in) wide. The oval leaves are up to 9 cm (4 in). Throughout summer it produces upright panicles, 60 cm (24 in) long, of narrowly tubular flowers 5 cm (2 in) long.[1] The flowers are of an orange-pink colour along the outline of the petals, with a yellow center. There are five green leaves on every flower, and each leaf has a small point on it, which is referred to as a tooth of the leaf. The flowers often point back towards the stem. They also surround the stem, unlike P. aequalis where the flowers appear all on one side of the stem.[2] The plant has an exceptionally long blooming season of roughly six months, from May to November.[2]

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3]

Names

The common name "cape fuchsia" derives from the flowers' passing resemblance to fuchsias, though they are not closely related. The name "figwort" is applied to several plants, including other members of the Scrophulariaceae.

Growing and maintaining

Phygelius capensis is a very easy plant to grow and take care of. The plant grows well in most fertile soils but may require some winter protection in colder areas.[3] Because the plant can take care of itself, it is an easy plant for beginner gardeners to grow. It requires full sunlight and thus is generally only an outdoor plant. The plant is extremely versatile because it can survive in almost any kind of soil; normal, sandy or clay with a pH level of neutral, alkaline, or acid, however it prefers a rich, well-draining soil with regular watering. Cape fuchsias are easily grown from seeds collected the previous year. The plants form a woody base and should be pruned back to 6 inches or so each spring. Once established and actively growing, they should be fed monthly with a good all-purpose fertilizer. Other than this, for the most part the plant will take care of itself. In warm climates, P. capensis grows as a perennial plant, however in colder regions, it is grown as an annual.[4][5]

Common uses

Medicines made with Ledebouria cooperi and Phygelius capensis are used to inebriate boys during initiation ceremonies.[6] Because of this, Phygelius capensis is considered to have ritual qualities. The flower of the plant is also well known for being the favourite of the hummingbird,[5] so the shrub commonly used in gardens to attract them, and to form borders. Phygelius capensis makes the ideal border because of its long blooming season.

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References
  • Pink, A. (2004). Gardening for the Million. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
  1. RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. 2008. p. 1136. ISBN 1405332964.
  2. "PlantZAfrica.com - Phygelius capensis ". Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  3. "RHS Plant Selector - Phygelius capensis". Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  4. "perennials.com - Phygelius capensis". Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  5. "The garden helper - Phygelius capensis". Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  6. "Plantas enteogenas - Phygelium capensis". Retrieved 30 June 2013.
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