Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Lesotho

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Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Lesotho

Lesotho, with its high altitude and temperate climate, provides an ideal environment for the growth of native flowers. The fertile soil and plentiful rainfall contribute to the resplendent blooms found in this region. Amongst these, Flossflower, Jewels of Opar, and Red hot poker stand out for their visual beauty, cultural significance, and ecological importance. These flowers enrich the landscape, showcasing the diversity and resilience of Lesotho's flora. This information is sourced from reliable botanical references and local experts in the field.

Most Common Flower Plants

Flossflower

Flossflower (Ageratum houstonianum) is a low-growing annual that attracts butterflies bees and birds. Fragrant aster-like flowers blooming from spring to fall are usually vibrant blue but can also be white or pink. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade is resistant to deer and rabbits and makes a colorful addition to any garden. 15 to 30 cm in height.

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Jewels of Opar

2. Jewels of Opar

Jewels of Opar (Talinum paniculatum) is a succulent shrub species native to North and South America, as well as the Caribbean islands. After its introduction, though, it became culturally important in some East Asian regions. The jewels of Opar grows and spreads quickly because any part of its root can sprout into a full plant once it's in the soil.

Spring, Summer, Fall

Greater periwinkle

3. Greater periwinkle

Greater periwinkle (Vinca major) is an evergreen shrub native to the Western Mediterranean. It features lavender-colored flowers, and thick, lustrous deep green foliage. To avoid garden invasion and also for ornamental purposes, it's best to grow this plant in hanging pots or in window containers.

Late spring, Summer

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Red hot poker

4. Red hot poker

Referring to its red hue and its flower formation, the red hot poker has flowering spikes of pale yellow, apricot, orange, and red that bloom in summer. The blooming flowers contain an abundance of nectar, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Because of its invasiveness, it is currently considered an environmental weed in portions of south-eastern Australia.

Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

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.

Wild iris

Wild iris (Dietes grandiflora) is a large wild perennial plant in the iris family. It's commonly seen in its native regions of South Africa, used for horticulture and beautification of public spaces and gardens. In Australia, wild iris is considered a weed.

White clover

7. White clover

White clover (Trifolium repens) is a perennial herb, one of the most cultivated species of clover. It can be found on lawns and grasslands all over the world. White clover is often cultivated as a forage plant and used for green manure in agriculture.

Late spring, Summer

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

Common morning glory

9. 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

Prickly pear

10. Prickly pear

Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) is a flowering cactus native to Mexico. Prickly pear is a widely domesticated species grown for agricultural purposes in arid climates throughout the world. This species is edible and planted widely as a fruit and vegetable crop. Prickly pear is commercially valued as food, animal fodder, an adobe ingredient, and is also planted to control soil erosion.

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Edging lobelia

11. Edging lobelia

Edging lobelia (Lobelia erinus) is a native South African flowering plant related to the bellflower. Edging lobelia is a popular garden plant for ornamental purposes and is often cultivated in hanging baskets and planters. Edging lobelia can be damaged by frost and cold temperatures and grows best in temperate climates.

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Barberton daisy

12. Barberton daisy

The barberton daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) produces bright, attractive flowers. It is native to Southeastern Africa and has become increasingly popular as a houseplant far outside its home range. The South African province of Mpumalanga includes the barberton daisy on its flag and coat of arms.

Late spring, Summer, Fall

Glossy privet

13. 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

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

Century plant

15. Century plant

The century plant, contrary to its name, only lives about 20 -30 years. The name comes from the fact that it only blooms once during its entire life. Near the end of its lifespan, the century plant sprouts a large stalk that can reach 9 m high and unveils yellow flowers. Most parts of the plant are useful; the tough leaf fibers can be woven into mats or ropes, and the moisture-laden contents are used to create various alcohols.

Candelabra aloe

16. 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

Indian shot

17. Indian shot

Despite its name, indian shot is a flowering perennial plant native to Central and South America. It has been naturalized in other parts of the world and has become a popular garden plant known for its large decorative leaves, fiery red blooms, and ease of cultivation. It is a traditional minor food for indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Summer, Early fall

Common dandelion

18. Common dandelion

*Taraxacum officinale*, widely known as common dandelion, is a herbaceous perennial that can be found in temperate regions all over the world, in habitats with moist soils. The most popular feature of this plant is its fruits, furry spheres that are easily carried by the wind. Although it is generally considered a weed, common dandelion is actually edible and very nutritious.

Spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Four o'clock flower

19. Four o'clock flower

Four o'clock flower (Mirabilis jalapa), also known as the marvel of Peru, is a perennial, herbaceous, bushy plant with fragrant, showy flowers, commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes. During bloom time, its flowers are closed most of the day; they open between four and eight o'clock, hence the common name four o'clock flower.

Cape leadwort

20. 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

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More Plants in Lesotho

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Lesotho's variable climate, with rainfall ranging from semi-arid to sub-humid and fertile soils, provides a conducive environment for a diversity of flora, including toxic botanical species. The prevalence of , , and exemplifies the array of hazardous vegetation present, which poses risks to humans and livestock. Careful monitoring and management of these plants are essential to mitigate potential threats to the ecosystem and public health.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Spring unfurls in Lesotho, rolling landscapes transition from the starkness of winter to a tapestry of color. This season breathes life into , which carpets valleys with its vivid hues, symbolizing renewal. The starts to peek, its bloom embodying the warmth and joy of longer days. Meanwhile, emerges, its blossoms punctuating the greenery with splashes of color, crucial for local biodiversity. Together, they announce Spring's arrival in a silent symphony of growth.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

Spring in Lesotho blankets the valleys in verdant hues, inviting a celebratory harvest of local fruit plants nurtured by mild rains and the gentle warmth of the season. Among the bounty, , renowned for its juicy sweetness, reaches peak ripeness. The refreshing tang of follows, a favorite in refreshing seasonal dishes. Lastly, , bursting with flavor, symbolizes the freshness and rejuvenation inherent to Lesotho's springtime harvests.

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Most Common Fruits

Lesotho boasts a distinct highland climate and fertile soils, favorable for nurturing various local fruit plants. Among them, , , and are the most prominent, each deeply rooted in the country's cultural and dietary patterns. These fruit plants not only provide necessary nutrients to the local diet but also play a significant role in the traditional practices and economic lifeline of many Lesotho communities.

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Most Common Trees

Lesotho, a landlocked country in southern Africa, boasts a unique environment conducive to the growth of native trees. , , and are among the emblematic trees found in this territory. These trees hold significant cultural and ecological value for the region. The climatic and soil conditions provide an ideal habitat for their growth. These trees play an essential role in the ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and providing resources for the local communities.

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Most Common Weeds

Nestled within the challenging high-altitude climate of Lesotho, gardeners often contend with invasive weeds suited to the region’s varied temperatures and mountainous terrain. These resilient garden invaders, including , , and , are common foes in the battle for cultivation supremacy. Persistent and prolific, these weeds present an ongoing management headache for those tending to both ornamental and vegetable gardens throughout this Southern African enclave.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Nestled atop the elevation of the Drakensberg range, Lesotho's cooler climates and mountainous landscapes allow certain robust trees to thrust skyward. Among these, , , and represent the tallest species in the region, each an ecological testament to endurance and history. Their majestic heights are not just natural marvels but central pillars to the local wildlife habitat. With their roots firmly in Lesotho's soil, these species embody the magnificent high-altitude forestation.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

Winter in Lesotho is a serene and cold season, but surprisingly, it is home to several flowers that brave the chill. Despite the frosty environment, , , and blossom during this time, showcasing their resilience and beauty. These flowers add a touch of color and elegance to the winter landscape of Lesotho, symbolizing the strength and endurance found in nature.

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Most Common Plants

In Lesotho, you can find Grain sorghum, Flossflower, Jewels of Opar, Common purslane, Ribwort plantain, 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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