Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Zimbabwe

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Top 20 Most Common Flowering Plants in Zimbabwe

In the fertile lands of Zimbabwe, characterized by a diverse climate and rich soil, several native flowers bloom vibrantly. Among these, Golden dewdrops, Madagascar periwinkle, and Common lantana stand out for their striking beauty and ecological significance. These flowers not only add to the visual splendor of the region but also hold cultural symbolism and play a crucial role in the local ecosystem. Through reliable sources, the unique charm of Zimbabwe's floral heritage shines brightly.

Most Common Flower Plants

Golden dewdrops

1. 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.

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Madagascar periwinkle

2. 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.

Desert rose

Desert rose is widely cultivated as a houseplant or as bonsai for its beautiful flowers. As a succulent plant originating from the Sahara and tropical Africa and Arabia, it requires a minimum temperature of 10 ℃ to survive. Its sap was used to poisoning arrows in Africa.

Spring, Early summer, Late winter

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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.

Poinsettia

The poinsettia is a common sight in the United States during Christmastime. It was popularized by Albert Ecke after he emigrated to California from Germany. Today, 70 million poinsettias are sold in a 6-week period.

Spring, Mid fall, Late fall, Winter

Orchid tree

Orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata) is a partially deciduous shrub-like tree that can grow from 6 to 8 m tall. Large fragrant flowers resembling orchids blossom from winter to spring. The colors of the flowers range from orchid purple to light pink all in the same blossom. A fast-growing tree that blooms best in full sun makes a spectacular street tree when grown in warm climates.

Blue jacaranda

7. Blue jacaranda

Blue jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) is a plant species native to southern South America. Blue jacaranda grows in many cities around the world. Pretoria, South Africa is known as the Jacaranda City. The blue jacaranda is often referenced in songs and literature.

Florist kalanchoe

8. 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

Lavender scallops

9. Lavender scallops

Lavender scallops leaves are flat and have undulate margins. Its flowers are tubular and hang upside down like little tangerine bells on a floral sword. It is very reproductive and adaptable and tends to spindle when over-watered. To keep it petite and brightly colored, it should be watered less often.

Late spring, Early summer

Wax begonia

10. Wax begonia

Begonia cucullata is a native of South America. It is often used as a ground cover and also does well in containers. The blossoms of wax begonia can be red, white, or pink. In some states like Florida and Georgia, wax begonia is considered an invasive species due to its tendency to reseed prolifically in the right conditions.

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Fall

Hottentot fig

11. Hottentot fig

Hottentot fig (Carpobrotus edulis) is a ground-creeper native to South Africa. Hottentot fig is also sometimes called the highway ice plant, the pigface, and the sour fig. This species is pollinated by honey bees, carpenter bees, and beetles. Antelope and baboons are fond of eating hottentot fig flowers. This species is considered invasive in California and Australia. Hottentot fig has edible leaves and fruit, which can be made into a tart jam.

Spring, Early summer

Purple heart

12. Purple heart

Tradescantia pallida is an evergreen perennial trailing plant, colloquially known as purple heart. This beautiful perennial is famous for its spectacular deep purple, pointed leaves. Purple heart is a common houseplant, but it is also often used in landscaping as a bedding plant.

Yellow oleander

13. Yellow oleander

Yellow oleander is extremely toxic and many cases of accidental poisonings have been recorded. The toxic oils found in this plant are sometimes used in pest control measures. However, the Cascabela thevetia does have significance in some religious ceremonies, specifically the worshiping of Shiva, a Hindu deity.

Summer, Early fall

Horseshoe geranium

14. Horseshoe geranium

Horseshoe geranium can be identified by looking for horseshoe-shaped patterns of color, or “zones” within the leaves. The bright blooms are attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds and come in many colors, including red, pink, salmon, and more. These plants are easy to grow outside in your yard or indoors in containers.

Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Garden nasturtium

15. Garden nasturtium

The garden nasturtium is often associated with the "Elizabeth Linnaeus Phenomenon", an optical illusion that makes the contrasting orange flowers and green foliage appear to flash brightly as it shakes in the wind. Garden nasturtium is cultivated as an ornamental plant. The disc-shaped leaves and seed pods are edible, usually getting used as garnishes and dressings.

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Red frangipani

16. Red frangipani

Red frangipani (Plumeria rubra) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Central and South America. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical climates. All parts of the plant are toxic when ingested due to their high alkaloid content.

Spring, Summer, Fall

Shrimp plant

17. Shrimp plant

This evergreen shrub comes from the understory of tropical forests in Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. The shrimp plant is a popular, hardy landscaping choice that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. One look at the distinctive bracts at the tips of its stems will tell you exactly how this plant got its common name.

Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Fall

Chinese hibiscus

18. Chinese hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.

Spring, Summer, Fall

Chinaberry tree

19. 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

Baby sun rose

20. Baby sun rose

Baby sun rose (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium) is a succulent species native to South Africa. Baby sun rose is primarily planted for ornamental purposes in gardens and urban spaces. This species is considered fast-growing and is often planted as ground cover in flower boxes and public areas. It can be easily propagated from cuttings and outcompetes weeds when grown in the same area.

Spring, Early summer, Mid summer

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More Plants in Zimbabwe

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Most Common Toxic Plants

Zimbabwe's warm climate and diverse ecosystems, ranging from savanna to highlands, create a hospitable environment for various plant species, including toxic ones. High rainfall and temperate conditions in certain areas can compound the prevalence of , , and . Both rural and agricultural landscapes face the challenge of managing these toxic flora, which potentially impact ecosystems, livestock, and human health.

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Most Common Flowers of Spring

As Zimbabwe transitions into Spring, the landscape is awakened by an environmental metamorphosis, nurturing a myriad of florals. Among them, unfurls its petals, signaling rebirth. The vibrant hues of add a splash of color, embodying the country's rich biodiversity. Lastly, emerges, its bloom symbolizing hope and new beginnings, a reminder of nature's perennial rhythm.

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Most Common Spring Fruits

In Zimbabwe, spring breathes life into the land, ushering in a season of growth with warm rains and vibrant landscapes. This period of renewal encourages an array of fruit plants to flourish. Among them, , with its succulent offerings, , bursting with freshness, and , a local favorite, reach their peak and grace harvest baskets. These fruits not only embody the essence of spring but also contribute significantly to the local culture and cuisine.

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Most Common Fruits

Zimbabwe's warm temperate climate, characterized by wet summers and dry winters, along with its rich, well-drained soils, lays a fertile ground for a variety of local fruit plants. Among these, , , and stand out as culturally significant species. They not only reflect the nation's biodiversity but also hold substantial value in traditional diets, medicine, and economic activities. Each plant serves as a testament to the nation's rich agricultural heritage and its alignment with the local ecosystem.

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Most Common Trees

Zimbabwe's climatic and soil conditions provide a suitable environment for the growth of indigenous trees. Among the emblematic trees of this region are , , and . These trees hold great significance in the cultural and ecological landscape of Zimbabwe. They play a crucial role in providing habitat and food for local wildlife, preserving soil stability, and supporting traditional rituals and practices. Their presence showcases the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of Zimbabwe.

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Most Common Weeds

Zimbabwe's warm climate and seasonal rainfall create conducive conditions for various garden weeds. Amongst the plethora of invasive species, , , and are especially prevalent, posing significant challenges to gardeners and landscapers. These common weeds not only compete with domestic plants for nutrients and space but also can be tough to control due to their vigorous growth and propagation characteristics.

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Most Common Tall Trees

Zimbabwe, with its subtropical climate and diverse terrains from savanna to forests, conjures conditions conducive to the soaring flora. Amongst these, the majestic , towering , and the lofty stand as silent sentinels of the nation's rich biodiversity. Beyond mere altitude, these species are vital ecological stalwarts, with some even woven into the tapestry of local lore, cradling both historical and environmental narratives within their timeworn trunks.

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Most Common Flowers of Winter

In the serene cold of Winter in Zimbabwe, a frosty environment surprisingly becomes a haven for certain flowers. Despite the chilly temperatures, , , and manage to bloom, showcasing their resilience and bringing beauty to the landscape. These Winter flowers are a testament to the vibrant and diverse flora of Zimbabwe, symbolizing the strength and vitality that can be found even in the harshest of seasons.

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Most Common Plants

In Zimbabwe, you can find Grain sorghum, Pearl millet, Golden dewdrops, Mango tree, Madagascar periwinkle, 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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