AMARANTHACEAE

Hermbstaedtia odorata var. odorata

Cat's Tail

Wildflowers

Local Context

Occurs in bushwillow-covered woodland areas in Raptor's View, typically growing in sandy or stony soils

Identification

Growth: Upright perennial herb (15–75 cm tall) rising from a thick, tuberous rootstock, often branching to form a small, bushy plant.
Flowers: White, cream, pink, or deep purple, arranged in long, slender, upright spikes (up to 30 cm) often called "cat's tails"; the flower stalk is covered in hairs right down to the lowest flower.
Leaves: Variable in shape from long and narrow to spoon-shaped (1–30 cm long), usually smooth or with stiff hairs on the veins, often with small leafy tufts growing where the main leaves join the stem.
Texture: The flower spikes feel dry and papery (chaffy) to the touch; the main flower stalk is often covered in soft, whitish woolly hairs.
Fruit: Small egg-shaped capsule (2.5–3.5 mm) that opens by a lid to release tiny, shiny brown seeds.

Did You Know?

In southern African traditions, the dried, ridged stems of Hermbstaedtia odorata are used as "fire sticks" for friction ignition. These slender stems are spun against wood to generate heat. This friction creates a glowing coal from the stem's fibers to start a fire.

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