Nemesia floribunda, also called Cape Jewels or Fleshy Nemesia, is an erect annual dicotyledon herb that is native to South Africa, but has naturalized elsewhere. It is commonly cultivated by home gardeners.[1] [2]
Nemesia floribunda grows to a height of between 30.48cm (12inches) and 60cm (20inches). Its flowers are 10- in diameter, and are white, with a pale yellow throat. It has 3- long leaves that are shortened and rounded with a wavy blade and narrow tip. Its seeds are 1mm with large wings, and the plant flowers between February and September.[3]
Nemesia floribunda is typically found in subtropical environments, specifically nearby dunes with lupin and elder shrubs. It is sometimes found on roadsides and in the open forest and its frequented by bees.[4]
It prefers consistent moisture in the soil while not being overburdened by waterlogging, and is somewhat drought resistant. It thrives in temperatures between 20- and does well in consistent sunlight.
Nemesia floribunda was described by the German botanist Johann Georg Christian Lehmann,[5] but was originally discovered and collected by Christian Friedrich Ecklon.
Nemesia floribunda is native to South Africa, but has naturalized in New Zealand. However, there is at least one wild, confirmed sighting of the plant in the United Kingdom just outside of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Additionally, it is commonly grown in home and botanical gardens across the United States.[6]