For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Wild Sweetpea (Sphenostylis angustifolio)

Wild Sweetpea (Sphenostylis angustifolio) family Fabaceae

This is a small, spreading shrub and when in bloom, is very pretty. I always wonder when I find these wild plants why more of them are not used in our gardens instead of all the ones they import and many times become invasive species.



Flowers may be right or left-handed, depending on the plant and the stylar deflection results in pollen deposition on one side of the bee’s abdomen.
 This is a special adaptation to facilitate cross-pollination and outcrossing.

Leaf infusions are used in traditional medicine.
Information from: Wild flowers of South Africa by Braam van Wyk