Garden Kat

Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is a species of the genus Nepeta in the family Lamiaceae.

Irresistible to bees and renowned for attracting butterflies to the garden, Cat’s Whiskers plant also goes by the name Katsnor (Afrikaans) and Ufukuzela (Zulu)

The exotic vine Dolichandra unguis-cati (formerly Macfadyena unguis-cati) is a woody, invasive, evergreen creeper that has become a significant threat to biodiversity in many sensitive ecosystems around South Africa. The seeds are easily spread by wind and water, but it is the tubers which ultimately hamper control.

Known for their intoxicating fragrance and waxy, creamy-white flowers that contrast beautifully with their shiny, dark-green leaves, the Katjiepiering plant add sensory pleasure to any garden.  The common name Cape jasmine derived from the earlier belief that the plant originated in the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. The Afrikaans name Katjiepiering  translates to “kitten saucer”

Pass by any lake, pond, river, or marsh that has been left to Mother Nature’s discretion and you’ll find cattails (Typha latifolia). Cattails are incredibly unique looking plants and are, in fact, actually grasses.  Cattail is edible, but you should be very careful - there is a plant called poison iris that looks like a cattail which is actually toxic.

Calico Kitten succulents or Crassula pellucida are known for their distinctive and colorful heart-shaped leaves. The Calico kitten plant grows wild in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. The succulents are relatively simple to care for and make an excellent addition to any indoor or outdoor garden.