Botanical Name: Scrophulariaceae
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Kingdom:Plantae
Order: Lamiales
Tribe: Hemimerideae
Genus: Nemesia
Synonyms: Veronica salicifolia.
Common Names: Nemesia
Habitat: Scrophulariaceae is native to New Zealand. S. America – Chile. It grows in many habitats in South and Stewart Islands in New Zealand.
Desacription:
ScrophulariaceaeScrophulariaceae is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft) by 3 m (9ft).
It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
Cultivation:
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Succeeds in most soils so long as they are not boggy or too dry. Prefers a light well-drained soil and a sunny position. Prefers a moist rich soil but plants are probably hardier in a soil that is on the poor side. Lime tolerant. Intolerant of drought. Tolerates atmospheric pollution[200]. Very wind resistant, withstanding maritime exposure. A polymorphic species, it hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is clumping, giving the plant a clumping habit. The predictable growth behaviour makes it easier to maintain without having to apply containment methods.
Propagation:
Through seeds -It is suggested to show the seeds in a greenhouse in spring. Only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow on the young plants for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. It would probably be worthwhile giving some protection to the plant for its first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half ripe wood, 3 – 5cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up when roots are forming and keep in a frame or greenhouse for its first winter before planting out in late spring. Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn or winter in a frame.
Medicinal Uses:
Scrophularia is traditionally used as a remedy to scrofula, a type of tuberculosis infection that affects the lymph nodes in the neck. The plant is also touted for its detoxifying properties that effectively cleanse the blood and eliminate toxic substances from the body. It is also used t0 treat dysentery, having an antiperistaltic action.
Other Uses:
A very wind resistant shrub, it can be grown as a shelter hedge in exposed maritime positions. Attractive flowers to beautify the garden. Sometimes used as ground cover.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemesia_(plant)
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Hebe+salicifolia
