General Description:

Trichodesma is a genus of about 40 species which are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia.  They are mainly small to medium shrubs or herbs.

Trichodesma zeylanicum is a perennial herb or shrub to about 2 metres high. Leaves are narrowly elliptical, up to 120 mm long and 20 mm wide and covered with hairs, which also occur on the flower stems and buds. The flowers are usually dark to pale blue with white rays from the centre although completely white flowers are sometimes seen.  Flowers are up to 20 mm in diameter and usually appear from winter to spring.

Although not often cultivated, this is an attractive shrub with showy flowers.  It is reported that the hairs of stems and leaves can be irritating so care should be exercised in handling the plant. Sunny or dappled shade would be the best location in gardens and the plant should be reliable in a range of soils, provided drainage is reasonable.  The plant responds well to regular tip pruning to maintain a bushy habit.

Propagation may be carried out from seed which should germinate reliably without any pre-treatment. Cuttings of firm, current season’s growth are also successful.