Teucrium africanum Thunb.

Taxon Identity and Growth Form

Teucrium africanum Thunb. is a small, greyish bushy shrublet that reaches 10–30 cm (3.9–11.8 in) in height.

Stem Characteristics

Its stems are either simple or branched near the base, and are covered in fine glandular hairs that give the plant a softly felted texture.

Leaf General Morphology

The leaves are stalkless (sessile), grey-green, and 8–30 mm (0.31–1.18 in) long; most are divided into three narrow lobes, which are linear to narrowly oblong, 5–25 mm (0.20–0.98 in) long and 1–3 mm (0.039–0.118 in) wide.

Leaf Margin Features

The leaf margins are smooth, slightly rolled, and bear a light covering of hairs.

Inflorescence Structure

Flowers are arranged in a leafy terminal panicle.

Flower Perianth Morphology

They are white, with a greyish calyx 3–4 mm (0.12–0.16 in) long and a small corolla 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) long.

Stamen Characteristics

The stamens extend well beyond the flower, reaching an extra 6–7 mm (0.24–0.28 in) outwards.

Sympatric Range Overlap

In the Eastern Cape, ranging from around Makhanda to Komani, the distribution of Teucrium africanum overlaps with that of Teucrium trifidum.

Species Morphological Comparison

Teucrium africanum is noticeably shorter than Teucrium trifidum, and typically bears solitary flowers, while Teucrium trifidum has clusters of three to seven flowers.

Habitat and Distribution Range

This species grows in arid habitats, with a distribution from Bredasdorp in the Western Cape, through the Klein Karoo, to near Makhanda, and inland to Middelburg and Graaff-Reinet.