The bitter bush (Pechuel-Loeschea leubuitziae) is a tall shrub more noticeable by smell than sight. It can grow up to 2m in height and has grey, straight leaves. It has purple to whitish (small) flower-heads which are positioned on short stalks near the bases of the leaf.
The bitter bush is widespread in most of southern Africa and as disturbed areas increase, so does the probability of this bush spreading. They form dense spreads in river beds as well as disturbed ground, whilst occurring on plains.
As with other wild flowers of the northern Namib Desert, the bitter bush is used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Leaf and root extracts are used to treat colds, fevers, skin diseases and stomach-aches. Pechuel-Loeschea leubuitziae is the only species of Pechuel-Loeschea genus in Namibia.
Plants of Namibia Wildlife of Namibia
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