Hoary cardaria

Hoary cardaria

Lepidium draba (Brassicaceae)

Common Name:

Hoary cardaria

Scientific Name:

Lepidium draba (Brassicaceae)


Alternative common names:

Peperbos (Afrikaans)

Description:

A densely leafy perennial reaching 90cm high with erect whitish stems and deep roots. It has small bright green, sharply toothed leaves which have a soft down on the lower half of the stem and are smooth on the upper half. Tiny white, sweetly scented flowers appear in conspicuous, dense heads from September to December. Heart-shaped fruit capsules. This plant is poisonous to livestock.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Mediterranean and Eurasia.

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 1 NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State and Northern Cape.

How does it spread?

Seed dispersal.

Why is it a problem?

Competes with agricultural crops and suspected of livestock poisoning.

What does it look like?

General description: A dense, leafy perennial herb growing up to 90cm high with erect whitish stems and deep roots.
Leaves: Small, bright green, sharply toothed leaves.
Flowers: Tiny white, sweetly scented flowers in dense heads appear from September to December.
Fruit/seeds: Heart-shaped fruit capsules.

Does the plant have any uses?

None.

Leave a Reply