Anytime from spring to the height of summer spikes of frilly, pale mauve to white flowers appear in profusion. The flowers look a lot like the herb Sage, and its old name “Becium” is an ancient name for sage, derived from the Greek word “bekion.” Obovatum is in reference to the egg-shaped leaves, although the leaves are variable in shape and size and can be sparsely or heavily hairy, with either smooth or a few shallow teeth on their margins.

There are approximately 33 currently known species of Ocimum, occurring in southern Africa, tropical Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and parts of India. Cat’s whiskers (Ocimum obovatum) is a low-growing herb up to 30cm in height, and is very common in grasslands and rocky outcrops, from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal, and the Free State to Limpopo. Because it grows in grasslands where fires sweep through regularly, the plants have adapted by growing an extensive, woody underground rootstock. This also makes it very water-wise, and at the end of summer the plant will die down and become completely deciduous through winter, making it very cold and frost hardy. Once spring arrives it responds by sending out plenty of new stems from its underground rootstock.

Click here to see Google images of Cat's Whiskers.

In the Garden:

If you have a grassland or wildlife garden you simply have to plant groupings of cat’s whiskers – they are irresistible to bees and renowned for attracting butterflies to the garden, not forgetting a host of other insects. Cat’s whiskers are also often included in the open areas of bird gardens.

Ocimum species are renowned for attracting ‘Blues’ butterflies like the Helderratsbloutjie/Brilliant Blue, (Lepidochrysops asteris); King Blue (Lepidochrysops tantalus); and the Zulu Blue (Lepidochrysops ignota).

Click here to see Google images of Blues Butterflies

This tough and undemanding water-wise plant has become very popular in gardens as a groundcover or border plant. Plant it between evergreen groundcovers, to compensate for its dormancy in winter. It’s ideal for gardens small or large and even does well in a pot.

Uses:

These plants are used in traditional African medicine to treat stomach complaints, as enemas, and as a hair-restorer.

Cultivation/Propagation:

This plant is very hardy to frost and cold as well as being drought resistant. It loves to grow in sun or some light shade and although the plants seem to grow in a wide variety of soil types, they prefer a light, well-drained soil, with added compost. To keep it neat and to encourage new growth, cut back the plant lightly and remove dead stems as required.

Plants can readily be grown from seeds, or propagated from cuttings in summer, using a rooting hormone.

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

Cat’s whiskers suffers from no serious pests or diseases.

Warning:

Ocimum obovatum is used in herbal medicine and is not listed as being toxic, however, always exercise caution around children and animals, discouraging them from chewing on plants, and always consult a health practitioner before embarking on any home therapy.