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Botanical Name |
Xerophyta retinervis, formerly Vellozia retinervis |
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Other names |
Bobbejaanstert (Afrikaans); Monkey's tail |
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Velloziaceae |
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Dimensions |
Fibrous perennial usually around 0,6m, but can exceed double that height in favourable conditions |
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Description of stem |
Dark grey to black tufted, usually branched, dark stumpy appearance a conspicuous feature |
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Description of leaves |
Long light green,narrow, lanceolate leaves inclusters spread over the dark stem |
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Description of flowers |
Attractive large mauve flowers appearing irregularly |
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Description of seed/fruit |
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Description of roots |
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Variation |
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Propagation and cultivation |
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Tolerances |
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Uses |
Stems have been used as scrubbing brushes |
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Ecological rarity |
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Pests and diseases |
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Other |
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Location |
Grassland, often in poor veld, surviving in harsh conditions, on rocky slopes |
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Distribution (SA provinces) |
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Country |
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