ACANTHACEAE

Hypoestes forskaolii

White Ribbon Flower

Wildflowers

Local Context

In shady spots along the Sandspruit river and the smaller streams.

Identification

Growth: Perennial herb or small shrub up to 1 m tall, sometimes with a woody rootstock.
Flowers: White, pink, or lilac with dark purple markings, shaped like a twisted tube (up to 2.2 cm long) splitting into two lips.
Leaves: Narrowly lance-shaped to egg-shaped up to 7.6 cm long.
Texture: Leaves rough or hairy, often with sticky glands on the flower spikes.
Fruit: Small hairy capsule up to 1 cm long containing black seeds.

Did You Know?

While it is widely used in traditional medicine to treat ailments like malaria and diabetes, it is also extremely toxic to livestock such as sheep and goats. Animals that mistakenly eat it can experience violent shivering, head-shaking, and fever, which can be fatal.

Back to List