Berkheya radula (Harv.) De Wild.
Description:
A southern African species first described in 1901, native from Zimbabwe to South Africa, where it grows in subtropical grasslands. It forms an upright perennial with deeply lobed, spiny leaves covered in silvery-white hairs, giving the foliage a velvety appearance. In late summer and autumn it produces striking purple flower heads that attract pollinators. It has also been used in traditional medicine and is valued as an ornamental for its distinctive foliage.
Current Plant Guardian plants
Read about some of the plants in our Plant Guardian scheme and the stories behind them and their guardians
Find a rare plant to look after
If you would like to find a rare plant to look after, or if you have a plant you think may be rare, read on...
Record your rare and threatened plant
You think you have a rare plant? Here's how to record it with us.