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Gomphocarpus fruticosus

by Johan Wentzel

Common Name
milkweed, narrow-leaved cotton bush, wild cotton, wild swans
Plant Type
Shrub
Gomphocarpus fruticosus is a slender, erect, branching perennial shrub that contains a milky latex. It has creamy small flowers borne between Summer and Autumn. Attracts many butterfly species.
Plant Description

Gomphocarpus fruticosus is a slender, erect, branching perennial shrub that contains a milky latex. It has dark green, lanceolate leaves with creamy small flowers borne between Summer and Autumn as pendulums together in groups of up to 10. The fruit are hairy green heart-shaped follicles, containing small black seeds that appear when the fruits burst open, each seed has a long silky hair allowing for it to be transported by wind.

It can be grown in almost any soil type and is fairly short-lived but easy to propagate.

Gomphocarpus fruticosus is mildly poisonous but many butterfly species feed on it. The butterflies then also become poisonous and that protects them from predation.

You may find stock of this plant at Random Harvest.

Afrikaanse Naam
gansie, melkbos
Hardiness
Hardy
Position
Sun
Water Requirements
Moderate
Evergreen
Evergreen
Growth Rate
Moderate
Flowering Time
Summer
Flower Colour
Cream
Shape
Upright
Soil
Loam
Plant Size
1.5m
Region
Widespread
Habitat
Grassland
Grown by Wildflower Nursery
No

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Johan – 082 801 1741
[email protected]

Annette – 082 908 6591
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