Appearance
The succulent, grey-green leaves present with small hairs on the tops, and a grey-green colour. The plant itself remains a ground cover for the duration of its life, forming massive bushes rather quickly. The aroma of the plant has been said to resemble cannabis or skunk. They bloom twice a year, in late summer and in late winter.The specific epithet "neochilus" is derived from the Latin word "chilo", which refers to the calyx or lips.
Habitat
The plant is found in dry brush lands, open and sometimes rocky woodland, from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga to Limpopo in South Africa, as well as in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia.Uses
It is said that this plant can repel snakes, mosquitoes, flies and most garden pests as a result of its fragrant nature. This makes "Coleus neochilus" an ideal companion plant for vegetable gardens. Furthermore, reports point out that these plants can be used efficaciously as an air purifier.The dried herb, known as "Falso Boldo" or "boldo-gambá", is employed for treating hepatic insufficiency and dyspepsia in folk medicine.
Tea made by steeping fresh leaves is similar to mint tea.
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