Camelbush (Trichodesma zeylanicum, Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 496 (1810))

Family: Boraginaceae

Author: (Burm.f.) R.Br.

Bibliography: Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 496 (1810)

Year: 1810

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Trichodesma

Vegetable: False

Observations: Ethiopia to S. Africa, W. Indian Ocean, SW. Arabian Pen., Trop. Asia

Description

The plant commonly known as Camelbush, scientifically named Trichodesma zeylanicum, was first described in 1810 in the Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae by the botanist Robert Brown, based on earlier work by N.L. Burman fils. Belonging to the family Boraginaceae, this resilient species spans a wide geographical range, flourishing from Ethiopia through Southern Africa, extending to the Western Indian Ocean, the southwestern Arabian Peninsula, and across tropical Asia.

Camelbush is particularly notable for its adaptability to various climates and soils. This hardy plant typically thrives in arid and semi-arid environments, a testament to its robust nature. It has shown a remarkable ability to endure under some of the most challenging conditions, including drought and extreme heat.

In its various habitats, Camelbush contributes significantly to the local ecosystems. It often serves as an important forage plant for livestock, especially camels, which might be an origin for its common name. Its ability to grow in poor soils makes it a valuable resource in regions where other vegetation might struggle to survive.

The plant’s appearance is characterized by a bushy growth habit with striking blue to purple flowers, which add a splash of color to the often rugged landscapes it inhabits. The leaves are typically rough and hairy, an adaptation that helps reduce water loss, further enabling its survival in dry environments.

Ecologically, Camelbush plays a vital role. It not only provides food for herbivores but also serves as a cover plant that helps in preventing soil erosion. Its presence can improve soil quality over time, as it adds organic matter and creates a microenvironment for various smaller organisms.

In summary, Trichodesma zeylanicum, or Camelbush, is a remarkable plant species that showcases nature’s ingenuity in adapting to diverse and often challenging environments. From Ethiopia to tropical Asia, this member of the Boraginaceae family stands out for its ecological importance and its role in sustaining local flora and fauna.

Common Names

Eng: camelbush, cattlebush, rough bluebell
Kin: gasanga
En: Camelbush, Cattlebush, Rough bluebell
Rw: Gasanga

Synonyms

• Boraginella zeylanica ((R.Br.) Kuntze)
• Pollichia zeylanica ((Burm.f.) F.Muell.)
• Borraginoides zeylanica ((Burm.f.) Hiern)
• Borago zeylanica (Burm.f.)
• Trichodesma zeylanicum subsp. euzeylanicum (Brand)

Distribution

• Angola (native)
• Assam (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Madagascar (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• New South Wales (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Rodrigues (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jun 14, 2020 by Balasundaram Balasundaram Krishnamurthy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 30, 2020 by kainat syed (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2022 by TAPESH BHAMI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 12, 2020 by Lansani Newsoul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by laurence comte (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 29, 2021 by Manfred Baraka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 21, 2022 by Benjamin Ncangu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2022 by TAPESH BHAMI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2022 by Mayoge Bukapuka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by laurence comte (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 24, 2017 by laurence comte (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 4, 2020 by Neeraj Neeraj Tiwari (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7294697)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:121302-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Trichodesma zeylanicum (Burm.f.) R.Br.)

Specifications

Growth