Hebenstretia fastigiosa

Hebenstretia fastigiosa is a species of plant from South Africa. It belongs to the figwort family.

Description

This annual grows up to tall. It has suberect branches with narrow, slightly toothed leaves. Long spikes of flowers are present between August and October. They are white and hairless with sessile anthers. The fruit is top-shaped and pointed. The upper mericarp is larger.

Distribution and habitat

This plant is endemic to the Western Cape of South Africa. It grows on rocky slopes between Pakhuis and the Cape peninsula at elevations of. It grows in sandstone and granite fynbos areas.

Conservation

This plant is classified as being of least concern by the South African National Biodiversity Institute. While it is declining in some areas due to urbanisation, this decline is not deemed significant enough to give it a higher rating. It has several fragmented subpopulations as a consequence of historical land change for agriculture. As it is a habitat specialist, it is unlikely that Hebenstretia fastigiosa is suitable for cultivation.