skip to main content

Australian Native Plants

Help with plant identification

7 years ago

Hi all. This plant was grown from an easily rooted cutting and is living happily in terrible soil with very little water in my Brisbane back yard. It is reminiscent of Coleus canina, but does not have varigated leaves. It does have a slightly unpleasant smell though. I would love to know what it is, any help greatly appreciated!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

alisonlhart
Original Author
7 years ago
By the way, I originally posted this request for ID on the succulent page as I am sure it is a succulent, but someone suggested I list it here as they thought it was an Australian native, though I do not believe that it is. Thanks Alison
alisonoz_gw
7 years ago
I think it's a Plectranthus. Though Australia does have native ones, this looks a little more like P. neochilus... or similar.

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=plectranthus+neochilus&rlz=1C1CHMO_en-GBAU666AU666&espv=2&biw=1200&bih=898&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiusbK8lITPAhVFVZQKHTHiDtUQ_AUIBigB
alisonlhart thanked alisonoz_gw
Related Discussions
Help with Plant Identification
Q
Comments (3)
It's Chelidonium majus, a weedy member of the poppy plant that closely resembles Styllophorum diphyllum, a native wildflower that's also a member of the poppy family. Here's a page that tells about the two and how to differential between them. For many years I wondered why folks liked celandine poppy, but it's because I have the weedy Chelidonium majus, not the native, better behaved plant.
...See More
Need help with plant identification!
Q
Comments (2)
Search for posts with that name or elephant bush - you'll find lots of information already written, and I think you'll be able to save your dying plant.
...See More
Help with plant identification
Q
Comments (1)
Maybe Aloe aculeata? Compare to plant - HERE -
...See More
Help with Plant Identification.
Q
Comments (3)
Oh yes, they grow best in full sun, but will accept partial shade. Acclimate them to full sun, and they would benefit from being outside in the summer. If you're in an area with summer rainfall, so much the better. Watering 3-4x a month in the hottest months, when they're a little less active (than in the shoulder months between summer and winter) should be adequate. I'd guess A. marlothii. A great aloe, in flower and out, but especially in flower and ...8' or so tall. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aloe_marlothii
...See More
alisonlhart
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you. Yes, I think I am going to go with the plentcanthus neochilus. Much appreciated. Shame about the odour as it is such a spectacular flowerer. Any suggestions on similar plants without the smell would be welcome!
alisonoz_gw
7 years ago
Since it's so pretty... and I'll bet the bees love it... and you probably aren't going to roll in it... I'd just enjoy the splendour. Anything that will survive SEQ's unreliable rains and thrives on neglect, has my vote :-)
alisonlhart thanked alisonoz_gw
alisonlhart
Original Author
7 years ago
I agree Alison (though I haven't noticed any bees, I think the conditions lately have done terrible things to their numbers). I have just moved it (by propagating some more) away from my back door, where it has been a little too fragrant when I sit for my morning coffee. When it has finished flowering I will pull it out and I will need to find something else hardy, low, drought tolerant and attractive to take its place. The sunny parts of my garden are full of various succulents, geraniums, chilli, salvia, angelonia, shasta, osteopernum, chrysanthemums a few natives - all the tough old plants that can do the distance in this tricky climate with unpredicatable rainfall. I now just need to find something else this low, this dense, and with this many flowers that can cope in a harsh position. Always on the lookout... an addict!

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Common Boneset Helps Good Bugs Thrive

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Support bees, moths and butterflies with the nectar of this low-maintenance, versatile and tactile prairie-style plant

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Native Plants Help You Find Your Garden Style

By Oakley Gardens

Imagine the garden of your dreams designed with plants indigenous to your region

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Unthirsty Plants Help You Save Water in Style

By Bruce Parker

Spend less effort and money on your landscape with drought-tolerant and native plants that liven up your yard

PETS 6 Ways to Help Your Dog and Landscape Play Nicely Together

By Marianne Lipanovich

Keep your prized plantings intact and your dog happy too, with this wisdom from an expert gardener and dog guardian

Guest Picks: Give Your Home a Helping of Spring Greens

By Bonnie Christine

Celebrate garden growth with this collection of housewares and gardening gear in the shades of budding plants

LIFE You Said It: ‘Put It Back’ If It Won’t Help Your House, and More Wisdom

By Becky Harris

Highlights from the week include stopping clutter from getting past the door, fall planting ideas and a grandfather’s gift of love

STAIRWAYS Help Your Stair Landing Take Off

By Danyelle Mathews

Whether for storage, art, plants or whatever else strikes your fancy, your stair landing can serve your home in a thoughtful way

Ideabook 911: I Need Help Staging for Resale

By Becky Harris

Indoor Gardener: Topiaries Help Rooms Shape Up

By Living Small: City & Small Space Consulting

Undeniably sculptural, topiaries in modern geometric to classic round shapes bring fresh artfulness to the home

EARTH DAY How to Help Your Town’s Beneficial Birds and Bugs

By Annie Thornton

Make a habitat using local materials to provide a home to the creatures that help our gardens

Sponsored

More Discussions

Plant identification

0