About Anchusa capensis Thunb.
Anchusa capensis Thunb. is a flowering plant species belonging to the family Boraginaceae. It is native to Namibia, South Africa, and Lesotho.
The genus name Anchusa comes from the Greek word anchousa, which refers to the use of roots from another species in the genus, Anchusa tinctoria, as a dye base for cosmetic paint. The specific epithet capensis translates to "from the Cape", referring to its origin in South Africa.
This species typically grows to around 60 cm (24 in) tall and thrives best in full sun. In summer, red buds open to reveal small, bright cobalt blue flowers that have five petals. Five white scales in the flowers protect the stigma and anthers. It grows well in USDA hardiness zones 8–11 in the United States. Recorded cultivars of this species include 'Dawn', which produces white, pink, mauve, and blue flowers; 'Blue Angel', which bears dark blue flowers; and 'Blue Bird', a taller cultivar with indigo blue flowers.
