Gomphostigma virgatum [L.f.] Baill.
river star, otter bush
Evergreen river shrub with arching stems and scented white starry flowers in midsummer.
What’s in the name: Gomphostigma: Greek "club" + stigma, for the club-shaped stigma; virgatum: "twiggy".
“like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither”
— Psalm 1:3 (KJV), The King James Version of the Bible (Project Gutenberg)
Available from AVNPlants: see the availability list.
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Conservation status
Least Concern, SANBI Red List of South African Plants
Natural distribution & habitat
Along rivers and watercourses throughout South Africa and into Zimbabwe, often with its roots at the water's edge.
Size & form
Evergreen perennial shrub up to about 2.6 m.
Flowering
December to January.
Uses in landscaping
- Water gardens, stream banks and wetland edges in full sun
Care notes
Full sun with plenty of water. Easy from semi-hardwood cuttings in the growing season, or by layering young branches. Cut back once established to make it bushier.
Wildlife value
Birds reportedly use the pliable young stems for nest building.
Find out more
Facts checked against: SANBI PlantZAfrica species page 'Gomphostigma virgatum'; SANBI Red List of South African Plants, Gomphostigma virgatum (L.f.) Baill. (assessment 2005/06/30).