Flora Detail

Common Name Needle Cape saffron, aandbossie, juffertjie-roer-by-die-nag(Afr.)
Family Thymelaeaceae (Stringbarks)
Date Observed 18-08-2021
Category Shrubs
Catalogue No. 3424RGu
Flowering Time Spring
Colour White to Grey
Locations Observed
Estuary
Koppie
Nature Reserve
Small Holding Few
Village
Greater Rooiels

Gnidia pinifolia 

Information

Needle Cape saffron, aandbossie, juffertjie-roer-by-die-nag(Afr.)

Gnidia pinifolia (Pine-leaved Saffron Bush) is a hardy, erect South African fynbos shrub, growing up to 1m tall with needle-like leaves and fragrant, white-to-pink flowers present year-round, peaking in summer. It thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and is ideal for gardens, preferring coastal, sandy areas. 
Key Details
Common Names: Pine-leaved Saffron Bush, Juffertjie-roer-by-die-nag (Afrikaans).
Appearance: Erect, slender-branched, single-stemmed shrublet, reaching 0.8–1m, with acerose (needle-like) leaves.
Flowers: Clusters of 10+ flowers at branch tips; petals are creamy-white, often with pink/reddish bases, and emit a strong scent at night.
Habitat & Ecology: Found on coastal flats and slopes in fynbos; endemic to South Africa (Western and Eastern Cape).
Cultivation: Propagated by cuttings; requires full sun and well-drained soil.
Uses: Popular for fynbos gardens;, can be pruned into a low hedge. 
Characteristics
Fragrance: Night-scented, attracting moths.
Blooming Season: Year-round, primarily January to December.
Growth Rate: Perennial, hardy shrub.
Common Name Meaning: "Juffertjie-roer-by-die-nag" means "young-lady-gad-about-at-night," referring to the strong evening perfume. (AI Overview)
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