Plectranthus oertendahlii

This Plectranthus originates from South Africa. It is endemic to a small area from the Oribi Gorge northward to Uvongo. On the slopes of the forested valleys, it grows together with other succulents and other Plectranthus species.

Plectranthus oertendahlii was cultivated in Europe long before its origin was known. The species was described in Sweden in 1924 and named after Ivan Anders Oertendahl, then director of the Uppsala University Botanical Garden. No one knows when, where, or by whom these plants were collected, or how they arrived in Sweden. Its natural range was only established in 1936 when botanists collected the plant there.

Plectranthus oertendahlii is distinguished by its slightly succulent, hairy leaves and attractive white markings. It grows flat and creeping, rarely exceeding 20 cm in height. Our plants do not grow taller than 10 cm. It forms a dense mat and is more shade-tolerant than other Plectranthus species.

The flower stalks grow up to 50cm tall and bear typical purple to pink flowers.