Top 20 Most Common Plants in South Africa

Img leaf left

Img leaf right

Top 20 Most Common Plants in South Africa

In South Africa, you can find Pepper, Marijuana, Calla lily, Elephant bush, Jade plant, 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.

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.

Your Essential Companion for Global Plant Exploration

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

Download the App for Free

Elephant bush

4. 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.

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.

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.

Chinaberry tree

8. 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.

Candelabra aloe

9. 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.

Florist kalanchoe

10. Florist kalanchoe

Florist kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) originates from Madagascar and has been a popular houseplant since the 1930s. Unlike most other succulents that are grown for their interesting leaves, Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is valued for the colorful flowerheads it produces in autumn and winter. This is the reason it is commonly gifted during holidays, earning it another name - Christmas kalanchoe. It is toxic to pets.

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.

Swiss cheese plant

12. Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

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.

Ear-leaved nightshade

14. Ear-leaved nightshade

Ear-leaved nightshade (Solanum mauritianum) is a small shrub species that can live up to thirty years. Ear-leaved nightshade is native to South America, including Northern Argentina, Southern Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. This species is considered invasive in New Zealand and Australia, where is it known as tobacco bush weed. All parts of this plant, especially the berries, are toxic to humans.

Century plant

15. 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.

Indian Laurel

16. Indian Laurel

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.

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.

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.

Flamingo flower

19. Flamingo flower

Flamingo flower (Anthurium andraeanum) is an ornamental perennial plant, famous for its pink or bright red heart-shaped flowers with very prominent pistils. Aside from its decorative attributes, flamingo flower is said to have excellent air-purifying properties.

Golden dewdrops

20. Golden dewdrops

Golden dewdrops (Duranta erecta) is an ornamental sprawling shrub commonly found in subtropical and tropical gardens all over the world. Its gentle purple blossoms are often visited by butterflies and hummingbirds. Golden dewdrops is considered a weed in Australia, South Africa and certain parts of East Asia.

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 > South Africa

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants in South Africa

Mask group

Most Common Toxic Plants

South Africa's diverse climate zones, from the Mediterranean climate of the Western Cape to the subtropical regions in the east, provide a fertile environment for a vast array of flora including toxic species. Factors like ample rainfall, seasonal droughts, and varied temperatures contribute to the prevalence of toxic plants such as , , and , posing risks to humans, livestock, and wildlife.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers

South Africa boasts a diverse climate and varied soil conditions, providing the perfect environment for a rich array of native flowers. Among these, , , and stand out as emblematic symbols of beauty, resilience, and ecological significance. Their vibrant colors and delicate petals add to the visual splendor of South Africa's landscape, while their role in pollination and natural ecosystems cannot be overstated. This information is backed by reliable sources and highlights the distinct charm of these local blooms.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Spring

As the South African landscape shakes off winter's chill, Spring breathes life into a kaleidoscope of flora. Amongst the verdant foliage, , , and burst forth in a celebration of renewal. These blooms not only enliven the scenery with vivacious hues but often carry deep cultural or ecological significance, marking the beginning of a season of growth and vibrancy.

Mask group

Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in South Africa bursts into life as warmer winds sweep away winter's chill, awakening a kaleidoscope of flora. Vitalized by gentle rains and sun-kissed days, fruit plants like , , and reach their peak, promising harvests of crisp, luscious flavors. These fruits encapsulate the season's essence, symbolizing renewal and abundance with their fresh and vibrant bounty.

Mask group

Most Common Fruits

South Africa's warm climate, regular sunshine, and diverse soil types create an optimal environment for various local fruit plants. Prominent among these are , , and , each integrated into the region's cultural fabric and economy. These fruit plants not only contribute to local biodiversity but also play a significant role in the dietary patterns and agricultural exports of South Africa.

Mask group

Most Common Trees

South Africa's diverse climatic and soil conditions provide a conducive environment for a variety of native trees. Among the emblematic trees of this territory are the , , and . These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value within the region. With their unique characteristics and importance, they contribute to the rich biodiversity of South Africa's ecosystem.

Mask group

Most Common Weeds

South Africa's temperate climate, enriched with bouts of sunshine and rainfall, creates an ideal breeding ground for a variety of garden weeds. These undesired plants, such as , , and , vigorously colonize gardens, competing with native flora for resources, and posing significant management challenges. Their prevalence necessitates persisting botanical vigilance to maintain horticultural aesthetics and ecosystem balance.

Mask group

Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled within a mosaic of diverse climates and rugged landscapes, South Africa's rich soils cultivate soaring arboreal wonders. Among these, the mighty , the venerable , and the colossal stand as towering testaments to the region's arboreal majesty. With roots entrenched in cultural significance and ecological roles, these giants silently narrate stories of the earth's primordial past and contribute substantially to the biodiversity tapestry of South Africa.

Mask group

Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in South Africa may be frosty, but it is also a haven for certain flowers. Amidst the cold, , , and bloom, showcasing their resilience and beauty. These winter flowers bring a touch of color and symbolize the strength to thrive in challenging conditions.

Copyright © Glority LLC Limited. All Rights Reserved.