About Lobostemon argenteus (P.J.Bergius) H.Buek
This shrublet, Lobostemon argenteus, reaches a maximum height of 1 meter (3.3 feet), and most individuals grow between 30 and 60 centimeters (0.98 to 1.97 feet) tall. It has stalkless, lance-shaped leaves that bear both long and short hairs. Its bright blue, funnel-shaped flowers are arranged in a spike-like inflorescence, with exactly one flower emerging from each bract. This characteristic distinguishes it from the similar species Lobostemon stachydeus, which produces two flowers per bract. The five petals of each flower are hairless on their outer surface. The five stamens are shortly fused to the petals. Staminal scales are positioned well below the opening of the corolla tube, reduced to ridges, and lack lateral lobes. Flowering occurs between July and February, with peak flowering from August to November. This species has cymous inflorescences, where flowers mature from the bottom to the top of the structure. Flowering specimens of L. argenteus have been collected as late as April in the Caledon region. Lobostemon argenteus has a disjunct distribution split across three separate regions, which suggests the species was more widespread historically. Its overall range extends between Clanwilliam and Makhanda, giving it a relatively broad distribution. However, recent resampling surveys have not found any specimens in the areas around Kamiesberg, nor in locations outside of Makhanda. It grows on shale and sandstone slopes, and generally favors drier sloped habitats.
