Brunia laevis
Family:
Bruniaceae
Genus:
Brunia
Species:
laevis – meaning ‘smooth’
Common name:
Silver Brunia
Vulnerability Index Score:
6
What does the plant look like?
Brunia laevis is a shrub with many stems. It grows up to 90 cm tall. The plants have small,overlapping grey leaves.
What are the flowers like?
The flower heads consist of compact, creamy-white balls up to 2 cm in diameter.The plants flower from August to January.
How does it reproduce?
Brunia laevis is visited by a variety of insect species (generalist insect- pollination system).After fire the plants resprout from a permanent woody rootstock.
Where is it found?
It grows on mid- to lower mountain slopes between Caledon and Bredasdorp.
How is it used?
It is used a lot in the fresh- and dried-flower industries. It attracts high prices in the export market.
Conservation
[Red List: Least Concern]
Brunia laevis is not currently threatened, although sustainable agricultural practices are encouraged when working with Brunia laevis, to ensure ongoing protection of the species.