5 Amazing African Herbaceous Plants

We sincerely hope that each of you, our readers, will thoroughly enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 5 Amazing African Herbaceous Plants. It was our pleasure to gather the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.

Certainly, these few species listed within this presentation represent only a portion of the similar marvels in this region of the world. It’s our belief, though, that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders that exist. Check out some of our other articles for similar marvels.

Snake Plant

Snake Plant Facts

• Starting off this article about these 5 Amazing African Herbaceous Plants we present the remarkable flora distinctively named the Snake Plant.
• This intriguing product of botanical evolution most frequently goes by the attention-grabbing common name we’ve used herein. Yet, the fascinating flora also has several other general titles. These include such highly attention-grabbing terms as the mother-in-law’s tongue.
• Within the scientific community, however, the flora’s possibly much better known by its technical moniker. Unfortunately, that’s a tag that’s somewhat difficult for the layperson to pronounce. That’s because the plant holds the technical designation of Dracaena trifasciata.
• The eminent Swedish zoologist Carl Linnaeus was the first individual to recognize it as a separate and distinct species, in 1753. At the time, however, he assigned it a different appellation than it holds now. It’s subsquently been reclassified on several occasions.
• Thankfully, the remarkable Snake Plant continues to maintain a thriving and stable population base. That pleasant state further seems to hold true throughout the entirety of its native range. The IUCN thus presently has no listing for the plant on its Red List of Threatened Species.
• The botanical marvel nevertheless still faces several potential threats to its continued existence as a species. Like most forms of life on the earth today, most of these stem from the actions of mankind. These perils include the dual dangers of habitat loss and ongoing climate change.

Snake Plant Physical Description

The amazing Snake Plant presents a most unique outward appearance to the eyes of those who view the flora. It’s that distinctive look, however, that attracts the interest of those same individuals. The natural wonder holds a wide variety of characteristics to appeal to many different interests.

Its rhizome, essentially the stem of the Angiosperm, itself displays a particularly distinctive trait. That’s true due to the variability of its nature. Producing both root and shoot aspects of the flora, this sometimes appears above the surface, yet at other times develops below the ground.

Developing as an evergreen, the plant produces mulitple leafy strands. Abundant in number, this foliage also grows in a strongly vertical direction, as well as in large numbers. Typically clustered tightly together, these features generally grow upward from the rhizome of the unusual flora.

It’s those leaves of the Snake Plant that both receive the most notice and serve as the source of the common name. Each individual leaf possesses a surprisingly thick, stiff nature. The great majority of viewers compare their appearance with that of a snake, thus the unusual common name.

Mean dimensions for these measure 2 – 2.4 in (5 – 6 cm) in width and 2.3 – 3 ft (0.7 – 0.9 m) long. Exceptional specimens do occasionally occur, though. Under ideal conditions, the numerous leaves of this amazing marvel of Nature sometimes attain heights measuring as much as 6 ft (1.83 m).

The fruit of the species develops as a fairly small sphere that changes is color from green to orange as it matures. Its flowers also surprise one, since they vary in nature. Colors range from cream-colored to a greenish-white. Some develop as quite fragrant, while still others have no scent.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Tracheophyta
• Class: Monocots
• Order: Asparagales
• Family: Asparagaceae
• Genus: Dracaena
• Species: D. trifasciata

Snake Plant Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The remarkable Snake Plant evolved as native to only a moderate expanse of the surface of the earth. The location of that zone of habitation places it in an area that might surprise some people, though. The Angiosperm developed as endemic to a portion of the continent of Africa.

Within that area it appears inside the borders of a number of countries. Some of these host locations include the nations of Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria. Though it’s now been spread by human actions, it remains unknown if it ever developed outside this range naturally.

The attention-grabbing flora evolved decidedly clear preferences regarding its choice of habitat. Despite that limitation, however, it’s proven itself to have the capacity to adapt to other environments, provided these do not vary too significantly from that it developed in.

In its natural territorial range, the wonder of botanical evolution appears in regions of dry, tropical climates. Another aspect of areas it most typically appears in naturally is the presence of rough, often rocky terrain. It’s in this specific ecosystem that the plant flourishes best, though.

In the wild, the impressively versatile Snake Plant achieves pollination of its blooms via the actions of various locally prevalent insect species. Slightly uncommonly, perhaps, the leading invertebrate pollinator consists of moths. Yet, the flora also retains the amazing ability to self-pollinate.

In the wild, in its native environment, it also plays an important role in its local ecosystem. Its densely-packed leaves often provide shelter to a wide range small creatures. Its extremely complex root system additionally contributes greatly to the prevention of soil erosion in its habitat.

Harlequin Flower

Harlequin Flower Facts

• Next up in this compilation of 5 Amazing African Herbaceous Plants comes the stunning beauty of the marvel named the Harlequin Flower.
• The short title it’s referred to by serves as the most frequently used common name for an extremely impressive variety of flora. It does possess other general names, though. These alternate monikers include such various terms as the wandflower and the sparaxis.
• Among scientific professionals, however, it’s perhaps better known by its technical designation. Luckily, that’s one that’s relatively easy for the layperson to pronounce. This holds true because the marvel of Nature and evolution holds the formal appellation of Sparaxis tricolor.
• The plant received that official epithet due to the efforts of John Gilbert Baker. The noted British botanist accomplished the first acknowledgement of the wonder as a separate and distinct species. He further achieved that scientifically noteworthy feat in the year 1877.
• Quite sadly, that endemic range appears to continue to remain extremely restricted. However, its distinctiveness led to the fabulous species becoming a highly popular import. The distinctive plant has therefore become reasonably well established in isolated locations.
• The marvelous work of Nature also became extremely common to portions of the United States. As a result, it now grows wild in certain portions of the state of California. It also appears to be continuing to expand its range, albeit in widely scattered and isolated pockets.
• The Red List of South African Plants lists this species as Vulnerable. This listing for the magnificent Harlequin Flower occurs because of several specific factors. That fact primarily occurs because of its native range. Restricted to begin with, this now faces habitat destruction.

Harlequin Flower Physical Description

The attention-grabbing Harlequin Flower quickly dazzles most of those individuals fortunate enough to encounter it. It does so, however, regardless of any imposing physical characteristics. That’s due to the fact that this intriguing flora represents a smaller member of its group.

Nature, though, places no particular importance on simple size in its myriad creations. This particularly gorgeous product of evolution attains an average height reaching between 12 – 14 in (30.5 – 35.5 cm). The lovely blooms additionally develop atop relatively long, thin stems.

Its foliage also garners its own fair share of attention. That’s due to the fact that the lovely leaves of the remarkable plant typically display as a comparatively pale green in color. This part of the species also typically displays a highly tapered shape, in addition to the most unusual color it shows.

The marvelous blooms of this amazing work of evolution themselves grow to a very respectable size. These flowers usually attain an average size measuring approximately 3.25 in (8 cm) in diameter. A surprising, strongly funnel-shaped tube also sits at the center of every single delicate bloom.

Yet the appealing color patterns of the Harlequin Flower present perhaps the greatest surprise to the eye. The outer edges of each petal display a bright orange or red. The inner portion, meanwhile, presents a bright yellow. A thin black border also separates the two sections of each of the petals. 

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Tracheophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• Order: Liliales
• Family: Iridaceae
• Genus: Sparaxis
• Species: Sparaxis tricolor

Harlequin Flower Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Regrettably, the Harlequin Flower evolved as native to an extremely limited range  of natural habitation. That, however, is a region of the world already renowned for its abundance of remarkable flora and fauna. It appears natively only in small portions of southern Africa. 

For the moment, evidence further indicates that the species never appeared naturally in any greater range. The reason for this continues to elude researchers for the moment. Currently, even within this terribly restricted range, it’s only found in widely scattered population concentrations.

As sometimes happens in Nature, the very nature of the marvelous plant works against it in some ways. That holds true due to its specific environmental requirements. The surprising fact remains that this beautiful plant also evolved to thrive in a very specific and uncommon type of habitat.

The botanical wonder therefore requires these special circumstances to prosper. These requirements include such factors as relatively warm conditions, in addition to very well-drained soil placed in sunny areas. That naturally limits its potential to spread outside of its present range.

In portions of the state of California, the Harlequin Flower managed to escape cultivation. This action occurred after its being imported as a frequently used garden plant. Due to this escape, scattered small populations of the plant now exist across various portions of the region.

Bleeding Heart Vine

Bleeding Heart Vine Facts

• Our next choice for inclusion in this listing of these 5 Amazing African Herbaceous Plants bears the intriguing title of Bleeding Heart Vine.
• Perhaps most notably, this magnificent product of Nature and evolution most frequently goes by this unusual common name in many areas. et, it also has other, equally intriguing names. These include such terms as bleeding glory-bower and bag flower, among many others.
• Scientific professionals, meanwhile, tend to use its formal name when referring to it. That, however, is the extremely tongue-twisting term of Clerodendrum thomsoniae. Regardless of the particular term used, though, this wonderful flora remains a highly unique plant.
• As a result of its many amazing attributes, the astonishingly beautiful plant even gained the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. The species also continues to be extremely popular as an ornamental plant in much of the world, as it has for many years.
• Unfortunately, the vine does have factors working against it. That’s true since it requires a very specific combination of complex factors to survive. The root system must remain partially submerged in water the majority of the time. This flora also requires very direct light.
• The wonder also holds yet another surprise, however. The magnificent vine actually evolved as extremely hardy, despite the seeming frailty of the flowers. This surprising species also even managed to escape from cultivation in some areas and managed to become naturalized.
• For the moment, its numbers appear to be sufficient throughout its range. The IUCN therefore currently has no listing for the Bleeding Heart Vine on its published Red List at the moment. Nevertheless, it does face the potential threats created by the effects of climate change.

Bleeding Heart Vine Physical Description

Don’t let the incredibly fascinating Bleeding Heart Vine beguile you, despite the fact it seems that’s exactly what Nature intended. Despite its simple-seeming appearance, the fabulous Angiosperm holds onto many secrets, much like many species. Some of these may even surprise you.

That’s because the species of flora actually constitutes something special. That’s an unusual species of evergreen vine. Yet it is important that it not be confused with another variety of plant. That’s due to the similarity of names between both it and another lovely plant named the Bleeding Heart.

The other forms an entirely different, if beautiful in its own right, species. This particular plant also evolved as a climbing variety which has the ability to reach heights equaling as much as 13 ft (4 m). The leaves of the gorgeous Bleeding Heart Vine also have their own brand of natural beauty.

In point of fact, that intriguing foliage generally manifest as both dark green and oval in shape. It further averages 7 in (17 cm) in length. Its most noteworthy feature though, likely remains the distinctive flowers. These beauties occur in bunches of 8-20 and appear on long, thin stalks.

Yet another distinctive feature of the Bleeding Heart Vine remains the remarkable pattern of its blooms colors. The outer portion ranges in color from stark white to a less common pale purple. However, the inner portion presents a brilliant red color, creating a breathtaking contrast.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Lamiales
• Family: Verbenaceae
• Genus: Clerodendum
• Species: C. thomsoniae

Bleeding Heart Vine Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

This marvel developed as native to a moderate habitat range. Not surprisingly, the Bleeding Heart Vine also originates from a region of the globe well known for its great natural beauty. That’s due to the fact that this wonder evolved as native to western portions of the continent of Africa.

There, this wonder of Nature currently grows in great abundance, and over a broad region. More specifically, it grows naturally in a range that includes Cameroon and Senegal. The plant also displays decidedly strong preferences, typically occuring naturally in regions of dense forest. 

Given the region of the world in which the flora originates, it understandably prefers tropical climates for its habitat. The breathtaking vine, does, however, display yet another remarkable characteristic. That holds true because the plant also adapts surprisingly well to temperate climates.

The Bleeding Heart Vine also grows rapidly, at least under ideal conditions. Consequently, in the tropical heat it produces copious quantities of its fruit. Though relatively small in size, these produce many seeds. Both the fruit and the seeds within them display a very dark black in color.

Hydnora africana

Hydnora africana Facts

• Now appearing in this compendium of 5 Amazing African Herbaceous Plants comes the astounding species named te Hydnora africana.
• The somewhat hard to pronounce term currently represents the scientific name for this remarkable product of evolution. However, this marvel of Nature also goes by a few equally difficult to pronounce names. These include the titles jakkalskos and jackal food.
• The unusual flora received its technical designation due to the efforts of Carl Peter Thunberg. The respected Swedish naturalist accomplished the first formal recognition of it as a separate and distinct species. He accomplished this scientifically noteworthy deed in the year 1775.
• Regardless of the name one uses for it, the amazing plant remains a source of fascination for reasearchers. It forms the only known Angiosperm to have no leaves or scales. The species also grows almost completely underground, with only its flower rising above the surface.
• Thankfully, the distinctive Hydnora africana appears to be maintaing a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. This pleasant state further seems to hold true across the entirety of its range. The IUCN therefore does not currently show the plant on its published Red List.
• The marvel of nature nevertheless faces several potential threats to its continued existence as a species, at least. In, this, it faces the same perils as all forms of life on earth today. Its greatest threats stem from the actions of man, and include habitat loss and ongoing climate change.

Hydnora africana Physical Description

The startling Hydnora africana rarely fails to capture the attention and interest of those individuals who encounter it. Yet, it typically does so for a combination of factors that distinguish it from most other plants. These include its unique growth pattern and its extremely unpleasant aroma.

The remarkable plant grows entirely underground, with only its fleshy, mushroom-like flower occasionally emerging above the soil surface. It also completely lacks chlorophyll and depends on its host plant for nutrients. For this, it typically parasitizes the roots of members of one Family.

Since evolution created the plant to grow almost entirely subterranean and parasitic, it thus lacks the traditional stems and leaves so closely associated with most plants. Meanwhile, the body of the strange plant’s generaly composed of comparatively thick, fleshy roots that latch onto its host.

The extraordinary flower’s where the reproductive organs are located, with the male and female parts situated inside. This emits a very strong, unpleasant odor resembling feces to attract its specific pollinators. This scent helps mimic the decaying matter that these insects typically seek.

The bloom of the attention-grabbing Hydonra africana itself most frequently serves as the source of fascination for the majority of people, though. This distinctive flower consists of three fleshy lobes that form a tight cap-like structure, which opens to reveal the inner parts when mature.

The vertically growing bloom also attains a fully respectable size. Fully mature examples attain lengths of as much as 4 in (10 cm). Generally, this displays a reddish-brown shade. Exceptions to this do occur, however, with other colors sometimes ranging from orange to even a pale pink hue.

This wonder of the botanical world also boasts other features worthy of note. For one, the inner layers of the flowers possess a lining of numerous fine hairs. Its fruit’s notable, too. After pollination, the plant produces a large, fleshy fruit underground, similar to a berry, with many small seeds.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Magnoliids
• Order: Piperales
• Family: Aristolochiaceae
• Genus: Hydnora
• Species: H. africana

Hydnora africana Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The stunning Hydnora africana evolved as native to a moderately limited portion of the surface of the earth. That zone of habitation’s located in a region of the globe already well known for its abundance of natural marvels, though. As the name clearly implies, the flora’s indigenous to Africa.

Yet, even within that greater landmass, it only appears within a limited area. It’s native to the southern section of the continent, and has a relatively limited distribution even there. The flora’s mainly found in the countries of South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and southwestern Angola.

This species displays decidedly clear and specific preferences regarding its choice of habitat. It’s primarily present in regions of either desert or semi-desert environments. It thrives in areas with low rainfall. These regions are often characterized by sandy or rocky soils with poor water retention.

It’s also commonly found in sections of scrublands, where hardy, drought-resistant shrubs tend to dominate. It additionally frequently appears in both coastal and inland areas of its native range, as long as the local conditions remain consistently dry and sufficient suitable host plants appear.

The continually surprising plant also often inhabits well-drained, sandy, or gravelly soils. That’s possible because of its underground nature and dependence on the root system of host plants. This combination allows the unique flora to survive in generally nutrient-poor and water-scarce soils.

Perhaps most extraordinarily of all, the Hydnora africana evolved as a parasitic plant. Due to this, along with its specialized pollination strategy and its interactions with other species in its arid habitat, its ecology remains complex. Certain key aspects of this trait, however, do dominate.

It’s a holoparasitic plant, meaning it relies entirely on its host plants for water and nutrients. It parasitizes plants in the Euphorbiaceae family, particularly Euphorbia species. Its own roots attach themselves to those of its host, forming structures that allow the parasite to extract its nutrients.

The intriguing plant’s otherworldly bloom emits a strong, foul odor strongly resembling decaying organic matter or feces. This overpowering scent attracts local populations of both dung beetles and carrion beetles. It’s such species as these that form the primary pollinators of this natural marvel.

The flower’s design in a way that when beetles enter to investigate the scent or lay eggs, they become trapped. During this time, they collect or deposit pollen, facilitating cross-pollination when they visit other flowers. After a few days, the flower slowly opens to release the trapped insects.

Lotus corniculatus

Lotus corniculatus Facts

• Closing out this article about these 5 Amazing African Herbaceous Plants we present you with the glorious beauty known as the Lotus corniculatus.
• The tongue-twisting term serves as the scientific name of a stunning and extremely unusual, small flowering plant. It also goes by several common names, though. These include such unusual titles as the birdsfoot deervetch, and even the comical eggs and bacon.
• But, regardless of the name one uses for it, the gorgeous plant remains a true marvel of Nature and evolution. This actually holds true for many reasons other than just its beauty, however. Believe it or not, the stunning species actually constitutes a member of the pea family.
• You do not want to eat th plant, though, regardless of its remarkable visual appeal. That’s due to one very astonishing fact. That’s the truly startling knowledge that this botanical beauty actually contains naturally occurring trace amounts of the deadly chemical cyanide.
• In extremely small amounts, however, this beautiful and remarkable species actually does have some specific medicinal uses. To the great surprise of many people, though, the beautiful plant also often actually gets widely used as a source of forage for many types of livestock.
• Fortunately for them, the majority of animal varieties kept as livestock have a very specific advantage over human beings. That’s true since many of these creatures have the ability eat the beautiful, yet quite dangerous, Lotus Corniculatus without incurring harmful effects.
• As a rule, most animals have a much greater natural tolerance for small concentrations of cyanide than homo sapiens. Fortunately, the flora also has a comparatively wide range of natural distribution. The IUCN therefore currently has no listing for it on the Red List.

Lotus Corniculatus Physical Description

Astonishingly, though seemingly extremely delicate, the magnificent Lotus Corniculatus surprises most individuals for multiple reasons. That’s due to the fact that this particular variety of Angiosperm conceals a great many marvels. Among those is the fact that it’s actually quite hardy.

Nonetheless, sheer physical size does not rank as one of the astounding characteristics of the beautiful Angiosperm. That remains true since this beautiful herbaceous plant only achieves a maximum known height of approximately 8 in (20 cm) unless supported by other plants.

This truly stunning flora also most commonly grows in a highly sprawling manner along the ground. Yet, it very rarely does so over great distances, however. The small flowers of the gorgeous product of Nature additionally display multiple combinations of bright orange and yellow colors.

These stunning blooms also appear in clusters, typically ranging from 2-7 in number. Each flower displays the typical legume structure with a banner, wings, and keel. Each of its stunning blooms remains separately small, though. These structures average 0.4 – 0.8 in (1 – 2 cm) in length.

The leaves of the Lotus Corniculatus also merit a certain degree of interest. These develop as compound, with three main leaflets, and two more the base. In shape, they appear oblong to elliptical, usually with a blunt tip. These develop as green, sometimes with a slight bluish tint.

The leaves of the remarkable plant also most commonly grow in groups of five. Typically, three of these form a natural trefoil pattern over the other two. Not surprisingly, since it constitutes a member of the pea family, the seeds of this wonder develop in small, highly elongated pods.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Fabales
• Family: Fabaceae
• Genus: Lotus
• Species: L. corniculatus

Lotus Corniculatus Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Surprisingly, the visually breathtaking, as well as scientifically fascinating, Lotus Corniculatus evolved as endemic to a remarkably large section of the globe. In point of fact, the intriguing plant inhabits an impressively wide swathe of the continents of Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa.

Due to its comparative hardiness, farmers often actually use this botanical beauty in cultivation, especially in certain parts of Europe. As a result of this surprising practice, this wonder of Nature has become considered an invasive species in some portions of Australia and North America.

Despite its seeming fragility, the visually captivating wonder of evolution displays an impressive degree of flexibility regarding its choice of habitat. It’s therefore found in a surprisingly broad range of ecosystems within its native range. This provides it with an evolutionary advantage.

It mainly appears in grasslands and meadows. These regions include both natural and semi-natural areas, sometimes including pastures. It also prefers well-drained soils and areas with moderate fertility. Yet, it’s also seen along roadsides, railway embankments, and other disturbed sites.

The remarkably intrepid plant’s additionally frequently spotted at the edges of woodlands, and in clearings within many forests. It generally prefers bright sun, but tolerates shade. Though less common, heathlands and moorlands also serve as another area it sometimes inhabits.

The Lotus Corniculatus achieves its pollination via the actions of a variety of locally prevalent pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other insects. These creatures also remain crucial for the reproductive success of many plants and contribute to the biodiversity of the ecosystem.

It serves vital purposes where it appears. It provides both habitat and food for many insect species, supporting highly complex food webs. Its seeds and foliage also serve as food for birds and small mammals. Numerous grazing animals, such as rabbits and deer, also feed on the lovely plant.

5 Amazing African Herbaceous Plants

We greatly hope that each of you thoroughly enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written about these 5 Amazing African Herbaceous Plants. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.

Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the ongoing actions of mankind. We must do all we can to protect and preserve them all.

Check out our other articles on 4 Awesome Australian Butterflies, Earth’s Amazingly Abundant Avians, 3 Magical Marvels of Yellowstone, Wonderful Wild Cats of the World