About Knowltonia vesicatoria (L.fil.) Sims
Knowltonia vesicatoria, commonly called Brandblaar, is an attractive, shade-loving plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. It is indigenous to southern South Africa, and it is one of at least ten species of the Knowltonia genus native to the country. Knowltonia vesicatoria can be distinguished from other Knowltonia species by its hairless leaves and stems, and the slightly jagged, toothed edges of its leaves. It contains three subspecies: vesicatoria, humilis and grossa. This slow-growing plant forms clusters of dark green leaves on the forest floors where it grows. It produces white or yellow flowers in spring, followed by clusters of fleshy black fruits. A tough, adaptable plant that easily survives seasonal fires, Brandblaar grows in shady locations across the Cape Floristic Region, ranging from Cape Town eastward to Grahamstown. Habitats it grows in include Cape Fynbos, coastal areas, and afro-montane forest. Further east in the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal, its close relative Knowltonia capensis is the more common species instead. This plant is an ideal choice for shady areas of gardens. It grows very slowly, but once established it is tough, attractive, and survives in deep shade where most other plants cannot. It grows much faster when watered regularly, and should be allowed to establish without competition from faster-growing groundcovers. It can be easily propagated by seed.
