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3.2.12 Scientific name : Lippia javanica (Burm. f.) Spreng
Zulu name : uMsuzwane
Common name : Fever tea
Figure 3.15 The flowering stage of Lippia javanica.
(www.plantzafrica.com/plantklm/lippiajavan.htm).
Botanical description
This multi-stemmed, woody shrub stands erect at 1 to 2 m high. Its stems have a
square appearance when looked at in cross-section. Its leaves when crushed gave
off a strong lemon-like smell and are hairy with noticeable veins. This plant is also
said to be one of the most aromatic of South Africa's indigenous shrubs. Small
cream flowers can be found on the shrub from summer to autumn in some areas,
and all year in other areas. These flowers are arranged in dense, rounded flower
heads. The fruits are rather inconspicuous, small and dry (Van Wyk et al., 1997).
Distribution
The plant Lippia javanica is widespread throughout large parts of South Africa, with
the exception of the Western Cape. It grows from the Eastern Cape northwards,
extending into tropical Africa, including Botswana, Swaziland, Mozambique, Malawi,
Tanzania, Zambia, Tanzania, and Kenya (Pooley, 1998).
Conservation status
This plant is usually very hardy and can grow under difficult circumstances,
therefore, requiring little maintenance (Van Wyk et al., 1997).
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