Aspalathus linearis

Aspalathus linearis, commonly known as Rooibos, is a shrub.

Contents 1 Naming 2 Taxonomy 3 Characteristics 3.1 Growth 3.2 Wood and Bark 3.3 Leaves 3.4 Flowers and Fruit 3.5 Root System 4 Distribution 5 Cultivation 6 Uses 7 Maintenance 8 Varities and Cultivars 9 Poisonousness 10 Pests and Diseases 11 Man and Aspalathus linearis 11.1 History 11.2 Aspalathus linearis in art 11.3 Symbolism 11.4 Superstition 12 See also 13 References 13.1 Literature 13.2 Footnotes 14 Non-commercial Links

[edit] Naming

Aspalathus linearis was already described and the name validly published by Nicolaas Laurens Burman. It was not until 1963, however, that Rolf Martin Theodor Dahlgren reclassified it into todays valid botanical systematics.

[edit] Taxonomy

The Rooibos is a species in the genus Aspalathus which contains 278 species and belongs to the family of the Fabaceae (Legume Family).

[edit] Characteristics

[edit] Growth

The shrubs grow to a height of approximately 2 meters.

[edit] Wood and Bark

[edit] Leaves

Aspalathus linearis is an evergreen plant with simple leaves. They are acicular with entire margins.

[edit] Flowers and Fruit

The flowers are pea-shaped and yellow. The plants bloom from April to May. The flowers are arranged solitary.

The fruits are legumes.

[edit] Root System

[edit] Distribution

Aspalathus linearis is native to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.

[edit] Cultivation

The Rooibos prefers a sunny site and can withstand temperatures down to -6,6º C.

[edit] Uses

Aspalathus linearis is used medicinally.

[edit] Maintenance

[edit] Varities and Cultivars

[edit] Poisonousness

 Please read the health issues note! 

[edit] Pests and Diseases

[edit] Man and Aspalathus linearis

[edit] History

[edit] Aspalathus linearis in art

[edit] Symbolism

[edit] Superstition

[edit] See also

[edit] References

[edit] Literature

• Walter Erhardt, Erich Götz, Nils Bödeker, Siegmund Seybold: Der große Zander. Eugen Ulmer KG, Stuttgart 2008, ISBN 978-3-8001-5406-7. (Ger.)
• Christoper Brickell (Editor-in-chief): RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Third edition. Dorling Kindersley, London 2003, ISBN 0-7513-3738-2.
• efloras.org

[edit] Footnotes

[edit] Non-commercial Links

More pictures of Aspalathus linearis in the

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• United States Department of Agriculturees:Aspalathus linearisfr:Aspalathus linearis