Plectranthus ecklonii aka South African Tulasi

Plectranthus ecklonii is a shrub. It comes from eastern South Africa. Its common names are large spurflower and blue spurflower. It belongs to Lamiaceae, the mint family. Its home range includes moist forests near the coast and inland. It grows under trees and at the edges of forests. It also grows by streams in woods. Wild plants grow on low ground and in upland sites. Most rain in its home range falls in summer.

This shrub grows fast and stands upright with many branches. Its fleshy stems grow upward. They turn woody near the base. Useful Tropical Plants gives a garden height of 6.6 feet [2 metres]. Its fuller account gives a range of heights. These span 2.3–8.2 feet [0.7–2.5 metres]. Soft growth and a woody base give it a shrub form. Growers prize its flowers more than its leaves. The supplied accounts of this species say little about the leaves.

Large sprays of blue-purple flowers rise above the plant. From far off, these groups of flowers can look like lilacs. Each flower has a long tube. Its petals sweep back from the tube. Long stamens, the parts that bear pollen, reach past its open end. Chicago Botanic Garden records blooms from September to October. These dates reflect how it grows there. They do not apply to all climates. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. Butterflies visit the plant, too. Chicago also lists it as a plant that draws birds.

Part shade suits this shrub. Chicago also lists full sun. It grows best in rich soil that drains well. The supplied care record says it needs a moderate amount of water. It can cope with short spells of light frost. Chicago lists USDA zones 8–10 for growth outdoors. In colder places, growers can put it outside for summer. Chicago says to cut it back before frost. It also says to bring it indoors before frost. Growers use it as a screen, hedge, or border plant. Seed can sprout in about three weeks in warm shade.

This shrub has spread from gardens into woods in Australia. Records also show plants growing wild in Victoria and New Zealand. These plants show that it could become a weed. People gather wild plants for use in local medicine. Reported uses include hay fever, headaches, and skin infections. Tests found that its essential oil acts against bacteria and fungi. These reports do not prove it safe as a home treatment. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food uses or hazards. That does not prove it safe to eat.