Lobster flower
Coleus neochilus
Known as the 'Scaredy Cat Plant,' its intense aroma is widely believed to repel domestic cats and dogs from garden beds.
- Scientific name
- Coleus neochilus
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Lamiales › Lamiaceae › Coleus
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Dry bushveld, rocky outcrops, and coastal scrub.
- Diet
- Photosynthetic
- Range
- South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Australia
- Size
- 15-30 cm tall, spreading ground-cover
- Lifespan
- 3-5 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation and urban development.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless. The foliage emits a strong skunky odor when touched. Safe to handle at any distance; wash hands after contact to remove the scent. Non-toxic to humans.
Coleus neochilus , synonym Plectranthus neochilus , which is colloquially known as lobster bush , fly bush or mosquito bush , is a perennial ground cover with highly fragrant, partially scalloped, ovate leaves and purple blue inflorescent spikes.
Photo: lallen, CC0, via iNaturalist
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