Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Botswana

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Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Botswana

Botswana boasts a favorable climate and soil conditions that foster the growth of native flowers. Among the most characteristic blossoms are Chinaberry tree, Century plant, and Common lantana. 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.

Most Common Flower Plants

Chinaberry tree

1. 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.

Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Century plant

2. 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.

Spring, Summer, Fall

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.

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Common lantana

4. 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.

Candelabra aloe

5. 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.

Spring, Late summer, Fall, Winter

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.

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).

Early spring, Mid spring

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.

Sweet thorn

Sweet thorn (Vachellia karroo) is deeply embedded in the history and culture of South Africa, with Zulu people using its wood for fencing, rafts, and even sewing needles. Though named for its thorns, sweet thorn also grows undeniably cheerful, bright yellow, pom-pom-like flowers in the early summer.

Madagascar periwinkle

10. Madagascar periwinkle

The madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) is an evergreen subshrub or herbaceous plant. It has a long history of cultivation. Over the years, many cultivars have been developed, most commonly with the aim of incorporating new colors or making the plant more tolerant to cold.

Common morning glory

11. Common morning glory

Common morning glory natives in Mexico and Central America and is commonly planted as an ornamental plant prized for its colorful trumpet-shaped flowers. It is naturalized in temperate and subtropical areas globally and in many places, always grown weedy and is considered to be invasive in many parts of the world.

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Glossy privet

12. Glossy privet

The glossy privet can be grown as a shrub or tree. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant has attractive glossy leaves and appealing white flowers. The flowers of glossy privet have a strong odor, so before planting make sure you find the scent acceptable. The berries that they produce are toxic if consumed.

Early summer, Mid summer

African marigold

13. African marigold

African marigold is a common garden plant with bright orange or red flowers. Its use in decorative and ceremonial gardens dates back to ancient Aztec civilizations. Not only does african marigold add bright colors, but it is also known to repel insects, rabbits, and deer thanks to its toxic latex.

Cape leadwort

14. Cape leadwort

Cape leadwort is a flowering plant native to South Africa. Its Latin name, Plumbago auriculata, is derived from the word auriculata meaning "with ears," referring to the shape of its leaves. The leaves serve as food for the caterpillar of the Hummingbird hawk-moth. The plant's sticky sepals, on the other hand, can grab animals as small as a housefly.

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter

Jimsonweed

Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) is a species of nightshade plant native to Central America which is considered an invasive species in more temperate climates. It can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities. It has a distinctive, strong smell. The jimsonweed gets its common name from Jamestown, Virginia, where soldiers ingested the plants exhibited altered mental states afterward.

Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Peruvian zinnia

16. Peruvian zinnia

Peruvian zinnia is an annual plant that can grow up to 91 to 122 cm tall. A native of South America, the peruvian zinnia looks much different than the hybridized types that are grown today. They are a small but colorful addition to the garden, with blooms that are red or yellow.

Florist kalanchoe

17. 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.

Spring, Late fall, Winter

Bird of paradise

18. Bird of paradise

The bird of paradise is a bright, flowering plant. It is native to South Africa, where it is important to national culture, even being featured on the country's 50-cent coin. The bird of paradise has also become the official flower of Los Angeles in spite of its non-native status. In the wild, these flowers attract sunbirds as pollinators.

Summer, Fall, Winter

Calla lily

Calla lily (Zantedeschia albomaculata) is a plant species with flowers that blossom from midsummer to early fall. Calla lily is often planted near bodies of water like ponds. They're also planted in container gardens and as a part of dried flower arrangements. They thrive best in direct sun or partial shade and in soil that’s moist but well-drained.

Moth plant

Moth plant (Araujia sericifera) is a perennial vine native to South America. Moth plant has been introduced around the world. This species is used as a food source for monarch butterflies, although it is not their preferred food.

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More Plants in Botswana

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Most Common Plants

In Botswana, you can find Pepper, Marijuana, Elephant bush, Jade plant, Tomato, and more! There are 50 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.

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