Plectranthus
graveolens: is a member of the
Lamiaceae family in company with the Prostantheras (Mint Bushes) and
Westringias. There are 250 species of Plectranthus worldwide with 28
species native to Australia. Plectranthus graveolens is a small
spreading shrub with strongly aromatic toothed leaves. Sometimes plants are
cut back by frost but usually recover in spring. The illustrated plant is
about to face its first winter (June 2001). It remains to be seen how this
plant copes with frost. Plectranthus graveolens is an attractive plant
with multiple stems. A spike of violet-blue flowers crowns each stem.
Flowering occurs throughout the year. Plectranthus graveolens would be
an ideal plant for native cottage gardens or rockeries. This is one of the
easiest native plants to propagate from cuttings. The species name means
strongly smelling which is a very apt name.