Brachylaena discolor
| Brachylaena discolor | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Brachylaena |
| Species: | B. discolor
|
| Binomial name | |
| Brachylaena discolor | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Brachylaena discolor is a species of flowering plant in the aster family, Asteraceae. It is native to Africa, where it occurs in Mozambique, South Africa, and Eswatini.[1] Its common names include coast silver oak and coastal silver oak.[2][3][4]
Description
This species is a
Ecology
The plant grows in coastal forests, on the edges of mangroves, and along rivers.[1]
The flowers produce abundant
This species has become naturalized in Queensland, and is a potential weed.[3]
Uses
The yellow
The plant was used medicinally by native Africans and European settlers. It has been used to treat kidney conditions, diabetes, gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal parasites, and chest pain.[2]
It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant for gardens and landscaping. It tolerates coastal habitats and can be used to stabilize dunes.[2]
Taxonomy
Some authors divide the species into two varieties, var. discolor and var. transvaalensis (forest silver oak or Natal silver oak). Others treat var. transvaalensis as Brachylaena transvaalensis, a separate species.[3][4] Its leaves have a distinctive shape and its flower heads are smaller and different in morphology.[1]
See also
Gallery
-
Stems -
Foliage
References
- ^ a b c d e f Brachylaena discolor. Flora Zambesiaca.
- ^ a b c d e f Jodamus, N. Brachylaena discolor. South African National Biodiversity Institute. 2003.
- ^ a b c Csurhes, S. Weed Risk Assessment: Coastal silver oak. Biosecurity Queensland. 2011.
- ^ a b c d Brachylaena discolor. University of Pretoria Botanical Garden. 2011.
External links
- Brachylaena discolor. JSTOR Global Plants.