Africa is the second-largest continent on Earth, encompassing a wide range of various ecosystems. As such, Africa supplies a number of variable habitats for various vegetation, from succulents to flowering shrubs. On this article, we’ll uncover 50 gorgeous native African flowers and wildflowers.
African Native Vary & Rising Zones
Africa is an unlimited continent that gives an infinite vary of plant habitats. North Africa has an arid, desert local weather, whereas Central Africa has a tropical local weather. Southern Africa experiences extra of a temperate local weather.
Africa’s various vary of climates roughly corresponds to USDA Zones 7 to 13. Most of Northern and Southern Africa corresponds to Zone 10, whereas Central Africa corresponds to Zone 12.
How are Africa’s Native Flowers Outlined?
Africa’s native flowers are outlined as vegetation that originated on the African continent. Many of those species have developed over hundreds of years. Nonetheless, many plant species now present in Africa have been introduced from different continents. These species are naturalized fairly than native.
50 Kinds of Native African Flowers
1) African Aloe
African aloe comes from the Asphodelaceae household. It’s often known as the Uitenhage aloe and is native to South Africa’s Japanese Cape. African aloe begins flowering as soon as it’s 4 or 5 years previous.
African aloe vegetation produce tall upright racemes of tubular orange or yellow flowers. The flower ideas curve upwards at nearly 90 levels. These aloe vegetation will wrestle if winter temperatures drop under 20ºF.
2) African Daisy
African daisies are charming little flowers from the daisy household (Asteraceae). They’re native to southern Africa and thrive on dry, rocky hillsides. African daisies are grown as annuals in Zones 2 to eight and as perennials in Zones 9 to 11.
These native African flowers have colourful pink, yellow, or white daisy-like flowers with black or yellow central florets. The flowers shut at night time earlier than unfurling within the sunshine.
3) African Iris
African irises come from the Dietes genus of the iris household (Iridaceae). The genus incorporates six species, most of that are native to elements of South Africa and Australia. Dietes iridioides is the most typical species.
African iris flowers have six white or yellow tepals with yellow or purple markings that encompass three central petals. These flowers solely final for a number of days.
4) African Lily
African lily is a gorgeous species of Agapanthus from the Amaryllis household (Amaryllidaceae). These agapanthus vegetation thrive on rocky slopes in South Africa. Regardless of being hundreds of miles away from Egypt, these vegetation are often known as Lily-of-the-Nile.
These native African flowers produce upright stems topped with massive, rounded clusters of trumpet-shaped blue flowers. These stems stand up from clumps of leathery, strap-like leaves.
5) African Sage
African sage is a aromatic perennial shrub from the Salvia genus throughout the mint household (Lamiaceae). It thrives in dry coastal or rocky areas in South Africa. African sage has bushy grey stems that produce a robust perfume when touched.
African sage has pale blue, pink, or violet salvia-like flowers that emerge from tall inflorescences. African sage additionally has enticing grayish-green elliptical foliage.
6) African Violet
African violets are charming little flowers greatest grown as houseplants. African violets come from the Saintpaulia part of the Streptocarpus genus throughout the Gesneriad household (Gesneriaceae).
These native African flowers are native to tropical areas of Kenya and Tanzania in jap Africa. These vegetation have clumps of spherical, succulent-like darkish inexperienced leaves and small purple flowers with 5 petals. African violets develop greatest in oblique gentle and specialised soil combine.
7) Anchusa Cape Neglect-Me-Not
Anchusa Cape forget-me-not is often known as widespread bugloss and comes from the borage household (Boraginaceae). These vegetation are native to elements of southern Africa, similar to Namibia and South Africa.
Anchusa Cape forget-me-not produces vivid blue flowers that emerge from pink flower buds. There are quite a few cultivars with blue, pink, or white flowers. The leaves are tough and lance-shaped.
8) Hen of Paradise
Hen of Paradise vegetation come from the Strelitziaceae household and are among the hottest tropical houseplants on this planet. Hen of Paradise vegetation are native to tropical elements of South Africa.
Hen of Paradise vegetation have hanging orange and blue flowers which might be protected by beak-like spathes. Every flower lasts roughly one week, however every flower head can produce 5 to 7 flowers.
9) Bitter Aloe
Also referred to as Cape aloe, bitter aloe is native to rocky areas and dry shrublands in South Africa. This tree-like aloe produces a single thick trunk as much as 10 ft tall with rosettes of thick, fleshy leaves. These leaves can develop as much as 3 ft lengthy.
Bitter aloe vegetation have orange or pink flowers that emerge from a crown of inflorescences on prime of the plant.
10) Blue Lily
Also referred to as the widespread agapanthus, the blue lily plant is likely one of the hottest decorative agapanthus species. Blue lily vegetation come from the amaryllis household and are native to South Africa’s Japanese Cape province.
These native African flowers bloom through the summer time within the Northern Hemisphere and late winter to spring in South Africa. These agapanthus vegetation produce massive, rounded clusters of tubular blue, white, or purple flowers.
11) Blue Hyacinth
Also referred to as blue squill, blue hyacinth is a bulb-forming perennial from the asparagus household (Asparagaceae). These deciduous vegetation are native to elements of Southern Africa and develop in numerous habitats.
In the course of the spring, blue hyacinth bulbs produce a rosette of veined leaves. The blue, white, or violet flowers are produced on upright racemes. In the course of the night, these native African flowers emit a stunning honey-like perfume.
12) Blushing Bride
Blushing bride vegetation are Critically Endangered evergreen shrubs from the Proteaceae household. These uncommon flowers are solely discovered within the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve inside South Africa’s Cape Province.
Blushing bride vegetation produce a number of flowering stems that department off from the primary stem. These stems produce as much as eight pink or white flowers with massive central pods. These vegetation depend on wildfires each two years to supply seeds.
13) Bush Lily
Also referred to as natal lilies, bush lilies come from the Clivia genus within the Amaryllis household. Bush lilies thrive in woodland areas in a number of elements of South Africa.
These native African flowers produce clusters of orange, pink, or yellow trumpet-shaped flowers. These flowers give off a refined candy scent. Resulting from their want for heat temperatures, bush lilies are greatest grown as houseplants outdoors of Zones 9 to 11.
14) Calla Lily
Calla lilies are widespread decorative flowers native to elements of southern Africa. These herbaceous perennials develop greatest in wetland areas or alongside riverbanks. Calla lilies may be grown outdoor or as houseplants.
Calla lilies have massive, stunning white spathes and a yellow spadix that emits a candy scent. Additionally they produce clumps of darkish inexperienced arrow-shaped leaves. Nonetheless, calla lilies can develop into invasive.
15) Cape Daisy
Cape daisies are often known as African daisies and are available from the Osteospermum genus of the daisy household. Osteospermums have colourful daisy-like flowers with darkish blue central florets. The petals are available numerous shades of blue, pink, purple, yellow, and white.
Cape daisies are native to the jap and southern elements of Africa. These native African flowers are widespread backyard vegetation worldwide and thrive in heat climates.
16) Cape Honeysuckle
Cape honeysuckle is a gorgeous evergreen shrub from the Bignonia household (Bignoniaceae). It’s native to South Africa however is now grown all over the world. Cape honeysuckle has a scrambling behavior, permitting it to climb.
Cape honeysuckle has orange or pink tubular flowers that bloom all year long in heat climates. These native African flowers can’t deal with chilly temperatures under 40ºF. It may be grown in containers.
17) Cape Primrose
Cape primroses are enticing flowering perennials associated to African violets. Cape primroses may be grown outdoor in Zones 10 to 11 or as houseplants in colder areas. They’re native to Africa and Madagascar.
Cape primroses produce orchid-like flowers with 5 petals. The flowers may be blue, pink, purple, pink, yellow, or white. Cape primroses even have wrinkled, strap-like leaves with a velvety texture.
18) Cape Snowdrop
Cape snowdrops come from the Crassula genus within the stonecrop household (Crassulaceae). These small perennial succulents are native to areas of South Africa’s Western Cape province.
These native African flowers bloom in spring and summer time within the Northern Hemisphere and from fall to winter of their native vary. They’ve white flowers with six petals and rounded succulent leaves with toothed edges.
19) Cape Tulip
Cape tulips are bulbous flowers from the iris household (Iridaceae). They’re native to South Africa however have develop into invasive in Australia. Cape tulips develop through corms that flower from late winter to early spring within the Southern Hemisphere.
Cape tulips have enticing flowers with six lengthy petals and yellow anthers within the middle. These native African flowers may be pink, orange, yellow, and white.
20) Century Plant
Century vegetation are uncommon bulbous vegetation from the Amaryllis household. These vegetation are indigenous to most of Africa and thrive in dry grasslands. Many of those bulbs can stay for many years.
Century vegetation develop as massive bulbs that may develop as much as 7 inches tall. They produce umbel-like clusters of small pink or pink flowers adopted by followers of grayish-green leaves. The flowers give off a candy perfume.
21) Coral Tree
Coral timber are stunning timber that come from the legume or pea household (Fabaceae). These timber are native to South Africa and are ceaselessly used as landscaping timber.
Coral timber have clean grey bark with hooked prickles. Coral timber have fan-shaped leaves with hooked ideas. In the course of the spring, coral timber produce racemes coated with lengthy, brilliant pink flowers. The flowers are produced earlier than new leaves emerge.
22) Crocosmia
Crocosmias are widespread, unique flowers grown all over the world. They arrive from the iris household (Iridaceae) and are native to jap and southern elements of Africa. Crocosmias are planted as corms and bloom through the summer time.
Crosomia vegetation produce sword-shaped leaves and arching flower stems. These stems erupt with tubular orange or pink flowers. The leaves produce a saffron-like scent when dried and uncovered to scorching water.
23) Fireball Lily
Also referred to as African blood lilies, fireball lilies are gorgeous bulbous vegetation from the amaryllis household. Fireball lily vegetation are native to most areas in Sub-Saharan Africa. They’re additionally grown all over the world as decorative vegetation.
Fireball lilies produce globe-like flower heads containing numerous brilliant pink, star-shaped flowers. These native African flowers are deciduous bulbs that die again earlier than winter earlier than going dormant till spring.
24) Flame Lily
Flame lilies are spectacular members of the autumn-crocus household (Colchicaceae). They’re additionally one of many rarest flowers on this planet. These lilies are native to southern Africa and Asia.
Flame lilies have fiery pink or orange flowers with yellow edges and wavy petals that resemble flames. The petals curl upwards and sit above six nearly horizontal stamens. Regardless of their magnificence, flame lilies are lethally poisonous.
25) Flowering Grass
Flowering grass is a member of the iris household native to elements of jap and southern Africa. Within the Northern Hemisphere, flowering grass blooms through the summer time. Within the Southern Hemisphere, the flowers emerge from October till December.
These native African flowers develop through underground corms, producing a flat fan of slender inexperienced leaves. It then produces small, flat flowers that may be pink, pale blue, or white.
26) Gazania
Also referred to as treasure flowers, gazanias are colourful flowers from the daisy household (Asteraceae). These vibrant vegetation are native to southern areas of Africa. Gazanias are widespread with gardeners worldwide however are listed as invasive in some areas.
Gazania flowers have small overlapping petals surrounding massive central florets with darkish markings. The petals are available colours like pink, orange, pink, yellow, and white.
27) Hottentot Fig
Hottentot figs are low-growing succulents from the fig-marigold household (Aizoaceae). Hottentot figs kind mats of triangular succulent leaves that flip pink as they age. The flowers have numerous skinny, lengthy petals surrounding massive central clusters of tiny yellow flowers.
Hottentot figs are native to South Africa and ceaselessly colonize recently-disturbed websites. These vegetation make good low-maintenance floor cowl vegetation. As succulents, Hottentot figs are drought-tolerant.
28) Impala Lily
Impala lilies come from the Adenium genus of the dogbane household (Apocynaceae). These succulent timber have stunning star-shaped tubular white flowers with darkish pink edges. These vegetation have grey bark and appear to be small baobab timber.
Impala lilies are native to central and jap elements of southern Africa and thrive in dry woodland or grassland habitats. Within the Southern Hemisphere, impala lilies flower from Might to September.
29) King Protea
King protea vegetation are spectacular woody shrubs from the Proteaceae household. These shrubs are native to South Africa’s southern areas. The king protea can be South Africa’s nationwide flower.
King protea shrubs have spherical, shiny darkish inexperienced leaves. They produce massive advanced flower heads that may develop as much as 12 inches huge. The flowers have an outer ring of white bracts which encompass the internal flowers.
30) Lion’s Ear
Also referred to as Klip dagga, the lion’s ear is a member of the mint household (Lamiaceae). It’s native to tropical areas of Africa and India. It has additionally develop into naturalized in Latin America and the southern United States.
Lion’s ear vegetation produce tall stems with a number of whorls of tubular, bushy orange flowers. Lion’s ear vegetation even have inexperienced heart-shaped leaves. These native African flowers get pleasure from an extended blooming interval.
31) Leopard Orchid
Leopard orchids are stunning orchids native to tropical areas of southern Africa. These gorgeous orchids have yellow flowers coated with brown spots, resembling the fur of a leopard. Every flower lasts roughly ten days.
Leopard orchids may be epiphytes or terrestrial orchids. The white aerial roots kind a protecting basket across the massive pseudobulbs. The pseudobulbs can develop as much as 2 ft lengthy.
32) Natal Plum
Also referred to as the big num-num in South Africa, the natal plum shrub comes from the dogbane household. They’re native to southeastern elements of South Africa.
These native African flowers have spherical, shiny inexperienced leaves and Y-shaped thorns on the stems. Natal plums produce pure white star-shaped flowers with lengthy petals. The spherical fruits are brilliant pink.
33) Orange African Daisy
Orange African daisies are cheery annual flowers from the aster household (Asteraceae). These vegetation have daisy-like flowers with orange or yellow petals. Some flowers have darkish purple rings across the central florets.
Orange African daisies are native to South Africa and thrive in coastal habitats. These daisies bloom in July and September within the Southern Hemisphere. Orange African daisies additionally develop properly in sandy or rocky areas.
34) Paintbrush Lily
Also referred to as blood lilies, paintbrush lilies are bulbous perennials from the Amaryllis household. These enticing vegetation are native to southern areas of Africa. These adaptable vegetation can thrive in a number of soil varieties.
These native African flowers produce thick, fleshy stems with two or three leaves per bulb. The flower heads have a number of brilliant pink spathes surrounding the central mass of tiny flowers that resemble a paintbrush.
35) Pincushion Protea
Pincushion proteas are spectacular evergreen vegetation from the Proteaceae household. These vegetation are named for his or her massive, prolific flowers. The flower heads include numerous tiny flower buds and bracts that appear to be pincushions.
These native African flowers thrive in acidic soils and are native to elements of southern Africa, similar to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. These vegetation have easy, leathery leaves which might be usually coated in tender hairs.
36) Pineapple Flower
Pineapple flowers usually are not associated to true pineapples. As a substitute, they arrive from the asparagus household (Asparagaceae). These stunning bulbous perennials are native to rocky elements of South Africa.
Pineapple flowers are deciduous vegetation with rosettes of enormous, sword-shaped leaves with purple spots. The purple or white flowers are borne on tall racemes. A crown of bracts grows on prime of the racemes, making the entire plant resemble a pineapple fruit.
37) Pink Trumpet Vine
Pink trumpet vines are elegant evergreen shrubs from the trumpet vine household (Bignoniaceae). Pink trumpet vines are native to South Africa however are naturalized in Morocco, Spain, and Central America.
These native African flowers are vigorous climbers with shiny inexperienced leaves. These vines bloom prolifically, producing attractive trumpet-shaped pink flowers with reddish veins on the petals. The petals are delicate and have a ruffled look.
38) Pink Cluster Bottlebrush
Also referred to as natal bottlebrushes, pink cluster bottlebrushes are enticing shrubs from the Francoaceae household. These deciduous timber are native to South Africa and develop on rocky slopes. The stems and branches are pink and clean.
As their identify suggests, pink cluster bottlebrushes produce dense, rounded clusters of pink flowers. The stamens protrude outwards and resemble a brush. These native African flowers even have easy, leathery leaves with toothed edges.
39) Pink Disa
Pink disa orchids are gorgeous orchids native to mountainous areas of South Africa’s Western Cape. These orchids thrive in cool or delicate circumstances and moist soils. Pink disa orchids are often known as “pleasure of Desk Mountain”.
Pink disa orchids have massive, showy flowers with two brilliant pink decrease sepals and a pink higher sepal. The higher sepal additionally has pink veins and surrounds the yellow internal petals.
40) Pink Sizzling Poker
Pink scorching pokers are among the hottest African flowers and are grown all over the world. These enticing perennials come from the Asphodelaceae household. The Kniphofia genus incorporates roughly 73 species and quite a few cultivars.
Pink scorching pokers produce upright flower spikes coated in orange, pink, or yellow bicolored blooms. The foliage is skinny and resembles grass. The nectar-rich flowers are extraordinarily widespread with pollinators.
41) Pink Starburst
Also referred to as balloon vegetation, pink starburst vegetation come from the dogbane household. These tender perennial shrubs are native to southeastern elements of tropical Africa. Pink starburst vegetation desire grassland habitats or roadsides.
Pink starburst vegetation have lance-shaped gentle inexperienced leaves and produce small, hooded white flowers. The flowers are adopted by odd spherical inexperienced fruits. These bushy, inflated fruits finally cut up open to launch their seeds.
42) River Crinum
River crinums are bulbous perennials from the Amaryllis household. Also referred to as Cape coast lilies, river crinums are native to jap and southern Africa. They’re deciduous vegetation that die again after flowering.
These native African flowers have lance-shaped leaves with wavy edges. The bulbs produce fleshy stems topped with clusters of white bell-shaped flowers with pink stripes on every petal. These flowers produce a pungent scent
43) Silver Tree
Silver timber are decorative evergreen timber from the Proteaceae household. It’s named for the silvery look of its leaves, attributable to the velvety hairs that cowl the leaves. The flowers kind dense clusters and are pollinated by the wind.
Silver timber are native to South Africa’s Cape Peninsula. These spectacular timber are protected in South Africa and are classed as Weak.
44) Small Bush Violet
Small bush violets are enticing evergreen shrubs from the acanthus household (Acanthaceae). These colourful vegetation are native to elements of tropical Africa, together with South Africa. Small bush violets develop greatest in woodland habitats.
Small bush violets have massive purple or reddish-purple flowers with 5 to 6 lobes. Because the branches unfold, they root within the soil, so they need to be stored in examine. These native African flowers even have shiny darkish inexperienced leaves with a tender texture.
45) Spinning Prime Conebush
Spinning prime conebushes are uncommon flowering shrubs from the Proteaceae household. These vegetation are native to shrublands and mountainous areas in South Africa’s Western Cape province.
Spinning prime conebushes have bluish-green leaves, typically coated in tender hairs. These vegetation don’t flower within the conventional sense. As a substitute, spinning prime conebushes produce cones made out of inexperienced bracts topped with small yellow flowers. The seeds unfold on the wind.
46) Star-of-Bethlehem
Star-of-Bethlehem vegetation come from the Ornithogalum genus of the asparagus household. The genus incorporates roughly 180 species native to Africa and Southern Europe. Star-of-Bethlehem blooms make glorious minimize flowers.
Star-of-Bethlehem vegetation develop from bulbs and have lengthy, lance-shaped leaves. These perennials produce white star-shaped flowers with six petals that shut through the night. These native African flowers develop and unfold shortly and might doubtlessly develop into invasive.
47) Starfish Flower
Also referred to as carrion flowers, starfish flowers are uncommon succulents from the dogbane household. Most starfish flowers produce a scent just like rotting meat to draw flies. These flowers are native to South Africa.
Most starfish flowers are low-growing succulents with massive, star-shaped flowers. The flowers usually have bushy edges fairly than spines. The flowers are cream or yellow and have a fleshy texture. Starfish flowers may be grown in containers.
48) Trailing Lobelia
Trailing lobelias are low-growing herbaceous perennials from the bellflower household (Campanulaceae). These stunning scrambling vegetation are native to elements of southern Africa, like Botswana, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
Trailing lobelias kind spreading mats of brilliant blue or violet flowers. The flowers even have yellow or white facilities. These adaptable vegetation thrive in numerous climates however develop greatest in cooler climate.
49) Wild Dagga
Also referred to as lion’s tail, wild dagga vegetation are evergreen shrubs from the mint household (Lamiaceae). These vegetation are native to southern elements of Africa, particularly South Africa. Wild dagga vegetation thrive in moist grasslands.
These native African flowers produce a number of whorls of tubular orange blooms on upright stems. These stems emerge from clumps of darkish inexperienced leaves. The leaves have a robust perfume when crushed up.
50) Yellow Arum Lily
Yellow arum lilies are deciduous perennials from the arum household (Araceae) that develop from bulbs. These lilies develop in northern elements of South Africa and thrive in woodlands and rocky grasslands.
Yellow arum lilies have arrow-shaped inexperienced leaves and exquisite flowers. The primary a part of the flower consists of a yellow bract surrounding the internal flowers. The yellow bracts have a purple dot at their base.
Native African Flowers FAQs:
What’s the Conventional Flower of Africa?
The king protea (Protea cynaroides) is likely one of the conventional flowers of Africa. It’s additionally the nationwide flower of South Africa. It’s a powerful woody shrub identified for its massive composite flowers and shiny darkish inexperienced leaves.
What’s the Most Fashionable African Flower?
Agapanthus are among the hottest African flowers. These stunning herbaceous perennials are often known as African lilies. They’re cultivated in gardens throughout the globe.
What Are Some Iconic Flowers in Africa?
A few of Africa’s most iconic flowers embody agapanthus, osteospermums, pink scorching pokers, and the king protea. Many of those vegetation are native to southern areas of Africa.
Wrapping Up
Africa is residence to an extremely various vary of flowers and vegetation. These vary from succulents like aloes to flowering shrubs just like the king protea. Lots of Africa’s vegetation are grown in gardens worldwide, together with agapanthus and osteospermums.
Edd is a budding content material author and gardener dwelling in the UK. He has a bachelor’s diploma in Artistic and Skilled Writing and has written for a number of gardening publications on-line. He’s obsessed with nature and sustainability with a deal with gardening and wildlife.