Hypoestes Aristata

Scientific Name: Hypoestes Aristata

Common Name: Ribbon bush

Family: Acanthaceae

Names in other languages: seeroogblommetjie (Afr.); uhladlwana olukhulu, uhlonyane, uhlalwane (Zulu)

• General Information 

Bauhinia tomentosa is a rambling, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree that grows to be between 4 and 8 meters tall. With many short twigs, the branches are frequently drooping. Central, eastern, and southern Africa, as well as Yemen, are home to Bauhinia Tomentosa. Western Africa, southern and eastern Asia, as well as the Andaman Islands, have all been introduced to the tree.  

Features of Hypoestes Aristata that make it identifiable:  

• The Stem is dark green, wide and erect 

• The Leaves are soft, hairy, dark green and oval 

• The flowers are lilac  pink or white  flowers borne in spike-like inflorescences.

• The fruit is a small, club-shaped capsule that splits open to release the seeds up to 4m from the parent plant.

Uses (non medicinal) 

• eaten as spinach in some areas 

• makes a good cut flower because it lasts well in water.

Medicinal Uses:  

• traditionally (southern Africa)  crushed leaves are used as a poultice for sore eyes. 

• The root bark is used to treat malaria