Spur Flower
Plectranthus barbatus
This plant was found frequently as a hedgerow component where grazing animals were prevalent, Eldoret, Kenya. January 2012.
LEAVES: The opposite leaves are broadly triangular, thickened and rather
fleshy. The margins have rounded teeth (crenulate) and the underside is
whitish.
SHRUBBY: Herbaceous growth emerges repeatedly from a thick, woody lower
portion. Plants were mostly 1 to 2 meters tall.
FLOWERS: The flowers are arranged in rings about an upright spike. Each
flower is bilaterally symetric with a distinct dorsal spur.
RANGE: This species is common in fence rows and margins of crop fields
in the vicinity of Eldoret, in the Rift Valley at 1900 m elevation. There
are many Plectranthus species native to East Africa. This one also
carries the common name of Indian Coleus suggesting that it is native there.
FRUIT:
UNARMED.
An old name, no longer valid is Coleus forskohlii. The broad soft leaves have found use in human hygeine as a substitute for tissue paper and as such in western Kenya "irokwet" applies where as in central Kenya "Maigoya" applies. The toxic chemistry that inhibits animals from grazing on this plant are also potential useful in medicine.