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Orthosiphon Labiatus

A Small Bush
(1 of 5) (5921 views)

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This plant is a member of the family that includes mint, sage, and rosemary. It has light purple or pink blooms and only grows to about one meter (about three feet) across.


Orthosiphon labiatus or Shell Bush, South Africa external link   •  Wild Animal Park (now Safari Park)   •  San Diego, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 17 May 2011)   •  (Photo taken 15:56:28 Friday 15 October 2010)   •  © 2011 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #BCY_0630
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Still Blooming
(2 of 5) (3904 views)

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This bush blooms in spring through summer, and when it blooms it is covered in small delicate pinkish purple flowers. Here, in mid autumn, there were still blooms evident.


Orthosiphon labiatus or Shell Bush, South Africa external link   •  Wild Animal Park (now Safari Park)   •  San Diego, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 17 May 2011)   •  (Photo taken 15:56:36 Friday 15 October 2010)   •  © 2011 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #BCY_0631
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The Blooms
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As can be seen in this closeup, the flowers range in color from a pale pink to a bright lavender with a few drops of purple here and there. Imagine how lovely this plant is when in full bloom.


Orthosiphon labiatus or Shell Bush, South Africa external link   •  Wild Animal Park (now Safari Park)   •  San Diego, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 17 May 2011)   •  (Photo taken 15:56:46 Friday 15 October 2010)   •  © 2011 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #BCY_0632
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The Leaf
(4 of 5) (3813 views)

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The leaf is a flat, almost circular shape with a serrated edge. The leaf was smooth to the touch, and was neither fuzzy nor sticky.


Orthosiphon labiatus or Shell Bush, South Africa external link   •  Wild Animal Park (now Safari Park)   •  San Diego, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 17 May 2011)   •  (Photo taken 15:56:54 Friday 15 October 2010)   •  © 2011 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #BCY_6034
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Same Family As Mint
(5 of 5) (3860 views)

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This family of plant is cultivated for its herbal properties, and includes many important herbs such as mint and rosemary and sage. This particular plant is native to South Africa.


Orthosiphon labiatus or Shell Bush, South Africa external link   •  Wild Animal Park (now Safari Park)   •  San Diego, California   •  (Photo posted Tuesday 17 May 2011)   •  (Photo taken 15:57:07 Friday 15 October 2010)   •  © 2011 Bryan Costales Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial License #BCY_0636
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