Top 20 Most Common Plants in Botswana

Img leaf left

Img leaf right

Top 20 Most Common Plants in Botswana

In Botswana, you can find Pepper, Marijuana, Elephant bush, Jade plant, Tomato, and more! There are 20 types of plants in total. Be sure to look out for these common plants when you’re walking on the streets, in parks, or public gardens.

Most Common Plants

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Marijuana

Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) has a very long history of cultivation for various purposes. Marijuana can be used for manufacturing industrial fiber, hemp oil, and food (seeds) in medicine and pharmacy as a recreational drug, and as an entheogen among other applications. Each plant is either male or female, with only the females producing useful amounts of oil.

Elephant bush

3. Elephant bush

Elephant bush (*Portulacaria afra*) is a succulent native to South Africa, easily recognized by its small, rounded green leaves and crimson stems. This cute semi-evergreen succulent is cultivated as an ornamental, most commonly in escaping, and as a bonsai plant.

Your Essential Companion for Global Plant Exploration

From American natives to Philippine tropics, discover plants worldwide with our app.

Download the App for Free

Jade plant

Looking like a miniature fairy tale tree, jade plant is one of the world's most popular succulents. Native to southern regions of Africa, Crassula ovata is well adapted to the dry warm air of modern homes. It grows slowly but lives for so long that plants get passed from generation to generation. It is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, and even mildly toxic to humans.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Chinaberry tree

6. Chinaberry tree

The chinaberry tree is considered an invasive species in many areas because of its tendency to grow into impassable thickets and crowd out other plants. The entire chinaberry tree is poisonous to humans and many other animals, although cows and some birds have no problems eating the fruit.

Century plant

7. Century plant

Century plant (Boophone disticha) is an endemic African flowering species that is dangerously toxic to livestock. The century plant was used in the past by indigenous people to make poisonous arrowheads. Exposure to this species within an enclosed space may cause eye soreness and headache. The century plant attracts bees and butterflies.

Calla lily

The calla lily is a well-known ornamental plant with several cultivars receiving the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The most calla lily cultivars include 'Crowborough', 'Green Goddess', 'Pink Mist', and 'Red Desire'. They are popular as a cut flower or a rhizomatous herb in warm gardens.

Common lantana

9. Common lantana

The common lantana is a flowering plant that grows best in tropical environments. It spread outside the Americas when the Dutch brought it to Europe. The plant is generally regarded as an unwanted weed that reduces biodiversity. Additionally, it is toxic to livestock and harms the output of farmland.

Olive

Olive (Olea europaea) is an evergreen tree or shrub with great agricultural importance, especially in the Mediterranean. Its fruits are edible and widely used for making oil. Olive has acquired quite a few symbolic meanings during its long history of cultivation. The most popular symbol would probably be the olive branch, which represents peace and glory.

Candelabra aloe

11. Candelabra aloe

Candelabra aloe (*Aloe arborescens*) is a flowering succulent species native to Southern Africa. Candelabra aloe attracts birds, bees, and butterflies. This species is related to the well-known species Aloe vera. The Latin name Aloe arborescens means tree-like. In South Africa, it is commonly planted around livestock enclosures as a type of living fence or security border.

African sumac

12. African sumac

Searsia lancea is a highly drought tolerant shade tree native to Africa. It can withstand hot and cold temperatures and will tolerate heavy pruning. This evergreen tree can be planted as a windshield or hedge.

Bush lily

The bush lily is a flowering green plant that grows best in woodland environments. It is native to South Africa. It gives off a fragrant scent, but is toxic and poisonous if eaten. In the wild, bush lily plants tend to grow together in clumps.

Selloum

Originating from South America, Philodendron bipinnatifidum is commonly cultivated for landscaping in warm and tropical environments, including Florida, California, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Selloum sap causes skin discomfort and chewing or ingesting can result in decreased respiratory functionality.

Red pagoda

Campfire crassula (*Crassula* *capitella*) is a plant native to Southern Africa. *Crassula* *capitella* is commonly known as red pagoda, Red Flames or Campfire Plant. This species grows best at temperatures above -1 ℃. The leaves change from green to red with increased exposure to the sun.

Mulberry

A unique and easy-to-grow edible landscaping plant, the mulberry is prized for its tasty fruits as well as its exquisite ornamental appeal. Originally native to China, this plant was valued for its role in silk production: silkworms will only eat the leaves of mulberry trees, making them crucial for the product's creation. Ultimately, the trees were sold around the world and are used today in different countries that produce silk.

Peach

Peach is native to Northwest China. China, Spain, and Italy are the top three producers of peaches world-wide. The peach is also the state fruit of Georgia. Peach production in the US in 2017 was valued at $599 million. The fruit has a yellow or white flesh, a sweet aroma, and a skin that is either velvety (peaches) or smooth (nectarines).

Common sugarbush

18. Common sugarbush

A unique plant that is occasionally cultivated in tropical gardens to add texture and color, common sugarbush can either grow as a tree or shrub in its natural South African habitat. In areas where wildfires are common, it has a bush-like growth habit.

Heavenly bamboo

19. Heavenly bamboo

Despite its name, heavenly bamboo is not actually bamboo at all but a semi-evergreen shrub. It gains its name because a casual observer may mistake it for actual bamboo. The bright red berries are a key distinguishing feature of this plant. They should be avoided, however, since they are toxic to most animals and humans alike.

Peace lily

The peace lily gets its scientific name Spathiphyllum wallisii from a combination of the two Greek words ‘spath’ and ‘phyl’, which means spoon and leaves, respectively. The large graceful white spathe of the peace lily resembles a white flag, which is an international symbol of truce or peace.

Discover 4 Exciting Reasons to Choose PictureThis

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Identify toxic plants around you

Easily find your perfect green friends

Get full care tips and tricks for your plants

Download the App for Free

Africa > Botswana

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants in Botswana

Mask group

Most Common Toxic Plants

Botswana's semi-arid climate, with seasonal rains and varied habitats from the Kalahari Desert to the Okavango Delta, supports diverse flora, including , , and . These conditions potentially favor the proliferation of toxic plants. Despite Botswana's rich biodiversity, the prevalence of poisonous flora poses a threat to both humans and grazing wildlife, warranting monitoring and research into these species.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers

Botswana boasts a favorable climate and soil conditions that foster the growth of native flowers. Among the most characteristic blossoms are , , and . These flowers contribute to the visual beauty, symbolism, and ecological diversity of the region. They serve as a testament to Botswana's rich floral heritage. Trustworthy sources have confirmed the significance of these flowers in the local environment, making them a captivating sight for both residents and visitors alike.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Botswana embraces Spring, the landscape transforms with bursts of life and color. Flowers like , , and begin to unfurl their petals. These blooms are not only a visual spectacle but often embody the vitality of Spring, marking the season of renewal. The vibrant flowering acts as a beacon for pollinators, playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem.

Mask group

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Botswana heralds a season of renewal as rains infuse life into the arid landscapes, coaxing fruit plants into bountiful production. , , and reach their peak, offering fresh, juicy rewards that not only tantalize the taste buds but also signify the country's agricultural rebirth. These fruits become a vibrant showcase of nature's resilience and the local's connection to the rhythm of the seasons.

Mask group

Most Common Fruits

Botswana's semi-arid climate and sandy soils are surprisingly hospitable for certain resilient local fruit plants. Thanks to the generous sun and specific irrigation techniques, , , and thrive here. These plants are not just agricultural assets but also cultural treasures. They likely contribute to local cuisine and traditional medicine, reflecting Botswana's heritage and botanic diversity.

Mask group

Most Common Trees

In the climatic and soil conditions of Botswana, several native trees flourish. Key examples include the , , and . These emblematic trees hold significant cultural and ecological value for the region. They play a vital role in the local ecosystems and are cherished for their contributions to the environment. While not delving into specific details, it is clear that these trees symbolize the rich biodiversity of Botswana and add to the beauty of its landscape.

Mask group

Most Common Weeds

Botswana's warm, semi-arid climate provides a nurturing ground for robust garden weeds. Among the uninvited flora, , , and have proven particularly tenacious. These pervasive weeds pose significant challenges for green-thumbed residents, vying with desired plants for nutrients, space, and sunlight. Effective weed management is a continual endeavor in Botswana's gardens, where these common intruders exhibit a remarkable resilience to control efforts.

Mask group

Most Common Tall Trees

Enveloped by semi-arid to subtropical climes, Botswana's landscapes are a harmonious blend of savannas, woodlands, and wetlands—ripe grounds for stratospheric flora. Dominating this botanical theater, , , and rank as the sky-piercing giants of the region. Each stands as a testament to nature's grandiosity, offering crucial ecological services and embodying cultural sagas spun through generations in their commanding presence.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in 'Botswana' may be cold and serene, but it brings forth a surprising array of flowers that brave the chill. Among them, , , and stand out with their resilience, beauty, and symbolic depth. These winter blooms add vibrance to the frosty landscape and showcase the incredible diversity of flora in Botswana, proving that even in the harshest conditions, nature thrives.

Copyright © Glority LLC Limited. All Rights Reserved.