Some species of Plectranthus are difficult to identify because of a lack of clear-cut morphological criteria to discriminate not only among species within the genus but also among the closely related genera. This has resulted in numerous taxonomic problems in the naming of species with the result that species have often been placed in several closely related genera like Coleus, Solenostemon and Englerastrum. In addition, some species formally placed in Plectranthus, are now recognized as the more distantly related genus Isodon.
Because of these taxonomic issues, different names have often been used for the same species of Plectranthus and thus it has been difficult to collate information about the ethnobotanical uses of this genus. Furthermore, the most commonly used medicinal species of Plectranthus have a high degree of synonymy[].
This report is very much indebted to the work of C.W. Lukhoba et al. - Journal of Ethnopharmacology 103 (2006) 1–24[] in untangling much of this mess of names, and utilizes the on-line Kew database ‘World Checklist of Selected Plant Families (http://wcsp.science.kew.org/home.do) for determining currently accepted names and synonyms (as of 2018).

Common Name: Blue Spurflower

General Information

Plectranthus ecklonii is a freely-branched, succulent perennial plant with ascending stems that become more or less woody, at least near the base; it can grow 70 - 250cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. An attractive shrub, it is often grown as an ornamental in gardens[].
The plant has escaped from cultivation in New South Wales, Australia (possibly via dumped garden waste) and has become naturalized in some woodland areas including tall, open Eucalyptus regnans forest. It is also recorded as naturalized in Victoria and New Zealand[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - eastern S. Africa

Habitat

A locally common under-storey soft shrub at forest margins or on wooded stream banks; at elevations from 30 - 1,525 metres[, ].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plectranthus ecklonii is native to the moist coastal subtropical and afrotemperate forest and forest margins of easern S. Africa. It is able to tolerate short-lived, mild frosts and is grown as an ornamental in warm temperate regions[, ]. Rainfall within its range is mainly during the summer months and ranges from 1,000 - 1,750mm per annum[].
Prefers a position in semi-shade[]. Grows best in a rich, well-drained soil[].
Often grown as an ornamental, there are several named varieties[].
When grown as an ornamental garden plant, it is best to prune the plant back hard during the dormant season[].
A fast-growing plant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is used in the treatment of hay fever and headaches[].

An essential oil obtained from the plant has been shown to have antibacterial and antifungal activity[]. It is used to treat skin infections[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in well-drained soil, covering lightly with a thin layer of sand, and place in a warm but shaded spot in a greenhouse. The seed germinates in about three weeks[].
Cuttings of Plectranthus species generally root easily - soft tips root faster than semi-hardwood growth. The cuttings are best taken 60 - 100mm long with three or four nodes, making the cut just below a node. Place them in sand, perlite, vermiculite or peat, or any mixture of these, keep them moist and shaded and they should root in 2 - 3 weeks[].
Cuttings can also be rooted in situ. Stems around 15 - 20cm long, keeping the top leaves, are used and should rapidly form roots so long as they are kept moist[].