Plectranthus amboinicus (Country Borage, French Thyme)


Botanical Information

FamilyLamiaceae
GenusPlectranthus
Speciesamboinicus
CategoryAnnuals, Perennials, Tropicals
OriginSouth Africa and India.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
In medicines and herbal treatments of various ailments.

Details

USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Height30 - 45 cm
Spread38 - 45 cm
GrowthFast

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA herbaceous plant that has proven to be invasive outside its natural range.
ShapeSpreading-hirsute.
PropagationBy seed or tip cuttings.
CultivationPlant under partial sun to full shade in free-draining soil.
Notable SpecimensUniversity of Alberta Botanic Garden, Devon, Alberta, Canada.
HabitatTropical rainforests to wet/dry savannas.
Leaf DescriptionFleshy, petiolate serrated leaves spanning 4 - 10 cm long, 3 - 8 cm wide and 5 mm thick.
Flower DescriptionTerminal flowers measuring 10 - 20 cm long that are densely pubescent. Flowers grow roughly in groups of 20.
Fruit DescriptionSmall nutlets that are 0.7 mm long and 0.5mm wide.
Colour DescriptionMedium to jade green foliage. white flowers. Light brown nutlets.
Texture DescriptionVelvety.

Photographs