Cancer Bush
Lessertia frutescens
- Native to:
- Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa
Andrawaag,Michael Wolf (de.wikipedia.org),William Curtis (1746-1799),SAplants,Jimmy Whatmore (www.inaturalist.org),Michael Wolf (de.wikipedia.org),Michael Wolf (de.wikipedia.org),Michael Wolf (de.wikipedia.org),Dwergenpaartje,Winfried Bruenken ( Amrum ),Winfried Bruenken ( Amrum ),Dwergenpaartje,Dwergenpaartje,Christian Hummert ( Ixitixel )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Lessertia
- Species:
- Lessertia frutescens
- USDA Symbol:
- SUFR3
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Colors:
- red, orange, pink
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid regions; drought-tolerant
Propagation & Germination
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) to break hard seed coat.