Ruellia colorata Common Names: Pride of the Cape, Red Orchid Bush Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) Origin: South Africa, Natal Synonym: B. punctata, Perlebia galpinii Observe how the fiery scarlet “claws” of the bracts wrap around the orange-yellow flowers, and it is easy to see why the plant in full bloom is reminiscent of cooked lobsters. If you are looking for something that makes a striking statement in a tropical garden, then this is definitely a good candidate. Originating from Brazil, Ruellia colorata takes full sun to partial shade, and prefers regular watering. The plant reaches 1.0 m -1.5 m in height and spread, and can be trained as a weak climber, or grown as a shrub to landscape borders and driveways. If you are using the plant as a shrub, prune it a few times per year for a more bushy and compact form. The plant can be propagated using hardwood stem-cuttings. Bauhinia galpinii Common Names: Natal Red Top, Rose Natal Grass Family: Poaceae (Graminae) Synonyms: Rhynchelytrum roseum, Tricholaena rosea Origin: South Africa Spot it: Carpark Garden) Bauhinia galpinii is named after the brother botanists Jan and Caspar Bauhin (16 – 17th century) and Ernest Galpin, a bank manager who collected plants in Barberton (1858 - 1941). Originating from South Africa, this relatively drought resistant and undemanding plant is a medium sized shrub that behaves more like a climber as it clambers onto anything in its path. It is a very versatile plant that can be trained into an attractive small tree or large shrub with a little pruning and training, or you can simply let it grow over pergolas or other support structures. Bauhinia galpinii can grow to a height of at least 3m and has deeply lobed heart-shaped leaves that resemble a butterfly. It bears a profusion of bright brick-red or salmon-coloured flowers. It is relatively free flowering in our climate. The long flexible branches of this tree are often used by the local Africans for weaving baskets and for the construction of roof trusses for their huts