Boraginaceae
Euploca ovalifolia
Greyleaf Heliotrope
H
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This species is a decumbent annual or perennial herb, sometimes growing erect to 60 cm. Its leaves are obovate or elliptic, covered in long and short silvery hairs, often with slightly revolute margins. Small, white, salverform flowers, yellow inside the corolla tube, are arranged in elongated inflorescences that can reach up to 17 cm long. The fruits are depressed subglobular, densely covered in short hairs, measuring approximately 1.5 × 2 mm.
Where it works in Kilifi
Native to coastal Kenya, this adaptable herb thrives in sandy or muddy soils, riverbanks, and disturbed areas. It is suitable for full sun in a Kilifi garden, ideal for ground cover, naturalisation, or restoration projects in areas with seasonal moisture or sandy substrates.
Growing notes
Adapted to seasonally dry tropical biomes, this plant is generally drought-tolerant once established. It can flower throughout the year.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: capriviflora.com, efloraofindia.com, mozambiqueflora.com, kew.org, theferns.info, nih.gov. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.