ON THIS PLANT
Sutherlandia frutescens (cancer bush, balloon pea, sutherlandia, phetola ("it changes") in seTswana, and insiswa ("the one that drives away the darkness") in isiZulu; syn. Colutea frutescens L., Lessertia frutescens (L.) Goldblatt & J.C.Manning) is a southern African legume. It is a shrub with bitter, aromatic leaves. Red-orange flowers appear in spring to mid-summer.
CARE GUIDE
How to keep Sutherlandia Frutescens.
Pruning
The cancer bush, famous for its vibrant red flowers and medicinal properties, should be pruned in early spring. Cutting back about one-third of the plant encourages healthy growth, removes damaged branches, and boosts flower production. This promotes a strong and attractive appearance.
CHARACTERISTICS
Botanical profile.
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Sutherlandia
- Family
- Leguminosae
- Mature Spread
- 1.5 m
ALSO KNOWN AS
Other names.
en Cancer bush
PLATES
