About Pteronia paniculata Thunb.
This aromatic species of Pteronia has sticky leaves, but unlike many other Pteronia species, its flowers are not sticky. It bears slender, furrowed, needle-like, incurved green leaves that are arranged in opposite pairs. Multiple flower heads (capitula) grow in clusters at the tips of its branches; this feature distinguishes Pteronia paniculata Thunb. from the otherwise similar species Pteronia pallens. This species is widespread, ranging from Namibia southwards to the Robertson Karoo, and eastwards into the Eastern Cape. Its natural habitat is dry, rocky apronveld, where it is extremely common. Because it is inedible to livestock, it grows to unnatural high densities in overgrazed areas. It often grows alongside its close relatives, Pteronia pallens and Pteronia incana.
