The ‘Vleikolkol’ (Berzelia lanuginosa) is a beautiful fynbos plant belonging to the family Bruniaceae. This family is endemic to the fynbos of the Western Cape – which means it occurs nowhere else in the world. As the common name implies, it is an evergreen shrub that grows in wet areas. The flowers are creamy white to yellow, and are pollinated by insects. After flowering, the white seeds stay on the shrub for a few years. Hence the species name lanuginosa, which is derived from the Latin, meaning wool. The Vleikolkol makes an excellent garden plant.
