Othonna capensis also known as “little pickles”, is a species of the genus Othonna and family Asteraceae, and is a native of South Africa. It is called bobbejaankool in Afrikaans, and ukhahlamba in isiZulu.

Othonna capensis is a very popular horticultural plant, used as a low-growing species that meets all the requirements for being an excellent groundcover (spreading to over 40 cm in diameter). It forms a dense mat of succulent growth, spreading rapidly (with the propensity to self-seed). It can also do excellently in hanging containers, as it will create a beautiful hanging curtain. Alternatively, it can be planted on the edge of raised beds or containers, where it will hang down elegantly from the outer perimeter.

Growth Habit of Othonna capensis

Stems of Othonna capensis

The plant is a creeping perennial succulent herb, which branches freely and can become woody towards the base.

Leaves of Othonna capensis

The leaves are shaped like cucumber pickles (possessing a slender, cylindrical shape). The leaves have a grey-green-blue colour accompanied by purple shading in areas. When the plant receives bright direct sun, or the plant is stressed by dryness or heat, the leaves turn can turn shades of deep purple, yellow, and red.

Flowers of Othonna capensis

The yellow daisy-shaped flowers are presented at the top of thin upright stems. The flowers close in low light and appear in spring through autumn and often year-round. The blooms emerge gradually from small buds and transform into little white puffs after flowering (not too dissimilar to dandelion flowers).

Distribution of Othonna capensis

Othonna capensis can be found in the Little Karoo as well as in the Eastern Cape near Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage. The plants can usually be found on dry rocky flats, or in coastal sand dunes or rock formations. The species is also naturalised in Algeria and Tunisia.

Good companion plants for Othonna capensis / “little pickles” plant

► Browse: Pelargonium zonale – wildemalva, horseshoe

► Browse: Dietes grandiflora – large wild iris, fairy iris 

► Browse: Cotyledon orbiculata var orbiculata – pig’s ear, round-leafed navel-wort

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