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(Metalasia muricata)
White Bristle Bush (Metalasia muricata)
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Di Turner
Public Domain
Image By:
Di Turner
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Di Turner | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Di Turner | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-03-13T09:25:49-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Metalasia muricata, commonly known as White Bristle Bush or Blombos, is a hardy, virgate or twiggy shrub native to the fynbos biome of South Africa, particularly within coastal areas and mountain slopes where it is adapted to a Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers. It typically grows 2–4 meters tall and is woody with a rounded crown. The shrub’s appearance is characterized by its dense, fine foliage and the greyish, slightly striated bark. Metalasia muricata produces clusters of honey-scented flowers that are white, pink, or purple, blooming in the winter and providing a valuable nectar source for insects during a season when few other plants are in flower.
The White Bristle Bush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to quickly reestablish itself after fire, making it an excellent pioneer species for ecological restoration projects. It is also used in gardens for its attractive, sweet-smelling flowers and as a windbreak or informal hedge in coastal areas. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and requires low to medium amounts of water, preferring well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that it can reseed and become weedy in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
The White Bristle Bush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to quickly reestablish itself after fire, making it an excellent pioneer species for ecological restoration projects. It is also used in gardens for its attractive, sweet-smelling flowers and as a windbreak or informal hedge in coastal areas. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and requires low to medium amounts of water, preferring well-drained soils. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that it can reseed and become weedy in favorable conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 6-8 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White, Pink, Purple
- Flowering Season: Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to the fynbos biome of South Africa, particularly within coastal areas and mountain slopes
Other Names
Common Names: Blombos
Scientific Names: , Metalasia muricata, Metalasia umbellata, Metalasia phylicoides, Gnaphalium fasciculatum, Gnaphalium muricatum, Gnaphalium polyanthos, Gnaphalium umbellatum, Helichrysum saturejifolium, Metalasia cristata
GBIF Accepted Name: Metalasia muricata (L.) R.Br.