Coleus neochilus (previously Plectranthus neochilus),^[1] which is colloquially known as lobster bush, fly bush or mosquito bush, is a perennial ground cover with highly fragrant, partially scalloped, ovate leaves and purple blue inflorescent spikes.^[2]

Leaves and growth habit of Coleus neochilus (previously Plectranthrus neochilus)

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 (45–60 cm), forming massive bushes rather quickly.

The aroma of the plant has been said to resemble cannabis.^[3]

Flowers of Coleus neochilus (previously Plectranthrus neochilus)

The dark blue and purple flowers bloom from September to April in its native range. The specific epithet neochilus is derived from the Latin word chilo, which refers to the calyx or lips.^[4]

Plant Care and Cultivation of Coleus neochilus (previously Plectranthrus neochilus)

Lobster bushes can tolerate wide temperature ranges, dry conditions and almost any soil, but prefer a well-drained sandy loam in full sun or partial shade. Hard pruning is suggested after flowering. Stems root very readily and the plant extends, where it forms a tidy cluster. Often planted in the landscape of difficult areas, the plant may become a little stressed in very dry conditions, but would revive when it receives some water. They can easily be propagated from softwood cuttings and would multiply in the garden. They are rarely affected by pests.^[6]

Habitat and Distribution of Coleus neochilus

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.^[5]

Uses of Coleus neochilus / Plectranthrus neochilus

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.^[7]

The dried herb, known as “boldo” or “boldo-gambá”, is employed for treating hepatic insufficiency and dyspepsia in folk medicine.^[8]

Tea made by steeping fresh leaves is similar to mint tea.^[9]

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References

1.  Paton, Alan J.; Mwanyambo, Montfort; Govaerts, Rafaël H.A.; Smitha, Kokkaraniyil; Suddee, Somran; Phillipson, Peter B.; Wilson, Trevor C.; Forster, Paul I. & Culham, Alastair (2019). “Nomenclatural changes in Coleus and Plectranthus (Lamiaceae): a tale of more than two genera”. PhytoKeys. 129: 1–158. doi:10.3897/phytokeys.129.34988. PMC 6717120. PMID 31523157.
2.  Codd, L.E. 1975. Plectranthus (Labiatae) and allied genera in southern Africa. Bothalia 11: 371-442.
3.  “Rae Lland, “A Bud by Any Other Name““.
4.  Hankey, A, Joffe, P. & Turner, S. 1999. Water-wise gardening for summer rainfall regions. National Botanical Institute and the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Pretoria.
5.  Van Jaarsveld, E. 1997. Veld gardening in South Africa: the Valley Bushveld/Noorsveld. Veld & Flora 83: 20-25.
6.  Van Jaarsveld, E. 1987. The Plectranthus handbook. National Botanic Gardens, Kirstenbosch.
7.  Van Jaarsveld, E. 1997. Veld gardening in South Africa: the forest garden. Veld & Flora 83: 51-53. Tovhowani Mukoma Lowveld NBG, June 2004
8.  “Márcia do Rocio Duarte; Juliano Ferreira Lopes, “Stem and leaf anatomy of Plectranthus neochilus““.
9.  Pooley, E. 1998. A field guide to wild flowers of KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern region. Natal Floral Publications Trust, Durban.

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This article uses material from the Wikipedia article “Coleus neochilus”, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.