Sparrmannia africana

Plant of the month: November

Sparmannia africana

This tender shrub from South Africa is a relative of the Hibiscus. It has large furry leaves and stems that can grow to 4 metres tall. It is the white, red and yellow flowers though that are amazing – touch the red stamens and watch carefully. They are sensitive to touch and move outwards by themselves! This is to ensure good pollination.

They brush visiting bumblebees with pollen to make sure they transfer it to another flower, completing pollination, needed to produce seed.

Come and touch it’s flowers in the Mediterranean House now!