We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Plumbago?

Alex Tree
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,389
Share

Plumbago is a genus of flowering shrubs that belongs to the Plumbaginaceae family and is more commonly known as leadwort. Its name originated from the Latin word plumbum, which pertains to the element lead. The juice excreted by these plants can leave bluish stains on the skin. It is believed that these plants hold chemical properties that help treat lead poisoning.

Members of the Plumbago genus are predominantly perennial herbaceous plants that dwell in regions with warm tropical climates, such as South Africa. Some species have also been seen in gardens around Europe. These herbaceous plants have tubular flowers with exactly five petals that come in light blue, lavender, and shades of pink. The thick clusters of blooms are most vibrant during the summer. These shrubs have foliage with thin, oval-shaped leaves that bear grayish scale-like dots on their undersides.

The blossoms of these perennials continuously grow throughout the year, at least until the first frost. Their sepals produce a sticky sap that attracts and kills most crawling insects, such as ants and worms, but is harmless to humans and pollinators like butterflies and bees. The species of this genus have no particular scent. These shrubs can reach heights of around 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 m) when fully grown.

Most Plumbago species can serve as ornamental garden shrubs. Some butterfly gardeners commonly plant the species zeylanica and indica to attract butterflies to their garden, as well as to supply food for their larvae. Withered or damaged flowers are quickly replaced by clusters of new ones, which means a year-round presence of colorful accents in the garden.

Auriculata, or cape leadwort, is the most common species in this genus. It can be seen growing wild on mountain sides and shady forests in South Africa. Variations of deep blue, off white, and lavender colored flowers sprout from this variety alone. As a houseplant, constant pruning is required to keep the shrub from growing to its maximum height of 6 feet (1.8 m). Minimal doses of water are enough to keep the shrub from drying out.

Aside from the ability to treat lead poisoning, sap produced by Plumbago plants is also often applied to warts and small wounds. The plants’ natural antibacterial properties provide an alternative source of topical treatments to hasten the healing process of skin lesions. Believers of old folk traditions also use these plants to ward off evil spirits and bad luck by placing small cuttings on their windows.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Alex Tree
By Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and WiseGeek contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Alex Tree
Alex Tree
Andrew McDowell is a talented writer and WiseGeek contributor. His unique perspective and ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner make him a valuable asset to the team, as he crafts content that both informs and engages readers.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-plumbago.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.