Plumbago auriculata Lam

In the past I have cut back this plant so severely that I sometimes wondered whether I had not exceeded the limit.
Yet, every time it grows back to its former glory, prospers, blooms and really put up a show.

From a source it is described:

Common names: Cape Leadwort, Plumbago (English); Blousyselbos (Afrikaans); umabophe (Xhosa/ Zulu) umasheleshele (Zulu)

Family: Plumbaginaeae

The name Plumbago is derived from plumbum meaning lead - referring to it being a supposed cure for lead poisoning.

Plumbago is used traditionally to treat warts, broken bones and wounds. It is taken as a snuff for headaches and as an emetic to dispel bad dreams. A stick of the plant is placed in the thatch of huts to ward off lightning.


About the traditional value - I guess there might be some truth found there; but I would rather stick to modern day remedies .....