PLANTAE / PHANEROGAMAE / ANTHOPHYTA / LAMIALES / LAMIACEAE / LAMIOIDEAE / STACHYDEAE / STACHYS / THUNBERGII

Stachys thunbergii Benth.
LC Indigenous Endemic
Morphological description

Perennial herb with stout, 4-angled, erect or ascending softly woody stems up to 2 m long, sparingly branched, armed with strong retrorse prickles along the angles and at the nodes, otherwise glabrous. Leaves petiolate; blade rather thick in texture drying dark brown and somewhat rugose, ovate-deltoid to lanceolate-deltoid, 30-60 x 15-30 mm, sparingly hispid to glabrous, apex acute, base cordate, margin regularly and finely crenate; petiole 10-20 mm long. Inflorescence lax to fairly dense, 60-150 mm long; verticils 4-6-flowered. Calyx puberulous to hispidulous, 12-14 mm long at flowering; teeth lanceolate-acuminate, 5 mm long, usually spine-tipped. Corolla red, magenta or purple, minutely pubescent; tube 16-20 mm long, arcuate; upper lip 4-5 mm long; lower lip 6-7 mm long. From: Codd, LEW. 1985. Lamiaceae: 13. Stachys. In: OA Leistner (ed.). Fl. S. Africa 28(4): 51-78. Botanical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Pretoria. [http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/209555#page/9/mode/1up] [CC BY]

Perennial herb, up to 2 m high; stems stout, 4-angled, erect or ascending, softly woody, sparingly branched, armed with strong retrorse prickles along angles and at nodes, otherwise glabrous. Leaves petiolate, thick textured and somewhat rugose, ovate-deltoid to lanceolate-deltoid, apex acute, base cordate, margins regularly and finely crenate; sparingly hispid to glabrous. Inflorescence lax to fairly dense; verticillasters 4-6-flowered. Flowers red, magenta or purple. Calyx puberulous to hispidulous; teeth lanceolate-acuminate, usually spine-tipped. Corolla minutely pubescent; tube 16-20 mm long, arcuate; upper lip 4-5 mm long; lower lip 6-7 mm long. From: Bredenkamp, CL; Ngoepe, N. 2019. Lamiaceae. In: CL Bredenkamp (ed.), A Flora of the Eastern Cape Province. Strelitzia 41(2): 1125-1164. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Prickly, sprawling perennial to 2 m. Leaves petiolate, ovate, finely toothed. Flowers in sparse verticils, calyx roughly hairy, corolla tubular and twice as long as calyx, red to purple. From: Manning, JC; Goldblatt, P. 2012. Lamiaceae. In: J Manning & P Goldblatt (eds), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape flora. Strelitzia 29: 601-604. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Habitat

In forest margins. From: Codd, LEW. 1985. Lamiaceae: 13. Stachys. In: OA Leistner (ed.). Fl. S. Africa 28(4): 51-78. Botanical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Pretoria. [http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/209555#page/9/mode/1up] [CC BY]

Forest margins, closed woodland, alt. 120-950 m; Eastern Fynbos-Renosterveld, Indigenous Forests. From: Bredenkamp, CL; Ngoepe, N. 2019. Lamiaceae. In: CL Bredenkamp (ed.), A Flora of the Eastern Cape Province. Strelitzia 41(2): 1125-1164. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Bush and forest margins. From: Manning, JC; Goldblatt, P. 2012. Lamiaceae. In: J Manning & P Goldblatt (eds), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape flora. Strelitzia 29: 601-604. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Distribution

Common on south-eastern slopes of Devils Peak and adjoining mountains of the Cape Peninsula. In the George-Knysna-Humansdorp area. From: Codd, LEW. 1985. Lamiaceae: 13. Stachys. In: OA Leistner (ed.). Fl. S. Africa 28(4): 51-78. Botanical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Pretoria. [http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/209555#page/9/mode/1up] [CC BY]

Cape Peninsula and George to Humansdorp. From: Manning, JC; Goldblatt, P. 2012. Lamiaceae. In: J Manning & P Goldblatt (eds), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape flora. Strelitzia 29: 601-604. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. [CC BY]

Flowering time

September

Altitude

120 to 950 m

Occurrence records map

This map contains point-based occurrences at different locations

iNaturalist: BODATSA: Data partners records:

Residence status

Occurrence in the Flora of Southern Africa (FSA) countries and South African provinces. Residence status indicates if a taxon is indigenous, endemic, naturalised or invasive in a specific region. This data is based on specimen records and literature

FSA

SA

BOT

NAM

ESW

LES

WC

EC

NC

FS

GA

KZN

LP

MP

NW

Absent

Indigenous

Endemic

Naturalised

Invasive

https://seis-sanbi.azureedge.net/anura/default/asset.do?preview=262690

Names and Sources

Accepted name
Stachys thunbergii Benth.
Synonym(s)

Stachys hispida (Thunb.) Briq.


Classification

KINGDOM Plantae

SUBKINGDOM Phanerogamae

PHYLUM Anthophyta

ORDER Lamiales

FAMILY Lamiaceae

SUBFAMILY Lamioideae

TRIBE Stachydeae

GENUS Stachys

SPECIES thunbergii

49 results for Stachys thunbergii Benth.

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Specimen records

Barcode: PRE0238551-0 Collector(s) & number: Esterhuysen, EE, 2793 | 1939-12-

South Africa, Western Cape, CALEDON DIST.; LANDDROST KOP RAVINE; ABOVE LOWCENSFORD

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238558-0 Collector(s) & number: Middlemost, AJM, 1800 | 1952-11-5

South Africa, Western Cape, KNYSNA DIV.; BLAAUWKRANTZ FOREST

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238557-0 Collector(s) & number: Dix, WE, 175 | 1935-1-

South Africa, Eastern Cape, HUMANSDORP DIV.; LOERIE

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238549-0 Collector(s) & number: Bayliss, 4125 | 1968-1-23

South Africa, Cape Province, PRINCE ALFREDS PASS

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238543-0 Collector(s) & number: Esterhuysen, EE, 10046 | 1944-2-23

South Africa, Western Cape, CAPE PENINSULA; DEVILS PEAK

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0518313-0 Collector(s) & number: Tyson, W, 795 | 1888-9-

South Africa, Western Cape, KNYSNA; BLAAUWKRANTZ FOR.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE1020036-0 Collector(s) & number: Baard, JA, 2248 | 2021-5-

South Africa, Western Cape, Southern Cape. Knysna, Goudveld State Forest

General notes: Weed, or Stachy ciliata?

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0806708-0 Collector(s) & number: Morze, J, 2065 | 1966-2-25

South Africa, Western Cape, George District: Hoogekraal Forest.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238554-0 Collector(s) & number: Galpin, EE, 9361 | 1929-4-3

South Africa, Eastern Cape, HUMANSDORP DIV.; TSITSIKAMA; COLDSTREAM

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238548-0 Collector(s) & number: Rogers, FA, 27021 | 1921-11-

South Africa, Western Cape, KNYSNA

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0552130-0 Collector(s) & number: Tyson, W, 57591 | 1888-9-

South Africa, Western Cape, KNYSNA; BLAAUWKRANTZ FOR.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238540-0 Collector(s) & number: Bolus, 367 | --

South Africa, Western Cape, DEVILS MOUNTAIN

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238555-0 Collector(s) & number: Thode, A2566 | 1930-4-

South Africa, Western Cape, HUMANSDORP DIV.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238556-0 Collector(s) & number: Thode, J, A980 | 1926-3-

South Africa, Eastern Cape, HUMANSDORP DIV.; CLARKSON

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238544-0 Collector(s) & number: Acocks, JPH, 14063 | 1948-3-5

South Africa, Eastern Cape, HUMANSDORP DIV.; STORMS RIVER PASS

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0827827-0 Collector(s) & number: Horn, DHS, SKF 2362 | 1960-9-

South Africa, Western Cape, Knysna District: Deepwalls Forest.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: NH0025886-0 Collector(s) & number: Thode, J, A2566 | 1930-8-

South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, Humansdrop District.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0544434-0 Collector(s) & number: Gillett, JB, 3404 | 1929-1-27

South Africa, Western Cape, CAPE TOWN; TABLE MT.; E. SIDE OF MT. BETW. SKELETON & WINDOW GORGES

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238542-0 Collector(s) & number: Hutchinson, J, 1283 | 1928-11-6

South Africa, Western Cape, TOUWS RIVER; 12 MI. E. OF GEORGE

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238552-0 Collector(s) & number: Theron, GC, 1012 | 1950-12-20

South Africa, Western Cape, KNYSNA DIV.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238539-0 Collector(s) & number: Marloth, HWR, 2461 | 1898-11-

South Africa, Western Cape, KNYSNA FOR

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238553-0 Collector(s) & number: Alexander-Prior, RC, PRE 45485 | 1903-4-

South Africa, Western Cape, DEVILS MOUNTAIN

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0796437-0 Collector(s) & number: Kerfoot, O, K 5572 | 1966-1-

South Africa, Western Cape, Stellenbosch District: Jonkershoek; Langrivier.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0592827-0 Collector(s) & number: Baard, JA, 391 | 1999-5-

South Africa, Western Cape, Goudveld Staatsbos. Goudveld.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0468260-0 Collector(s) & number: Lavranos, JJ, 12697 | 1976-3-28

South Africa, Cape Province, PRINCE ALFREDS PASS; JUST S. OF TOP

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0786530-0 Collector(s) & number: Morze, J, 2065 | 1966-2-25

South Africa, Western Cape, George; Hoogekraal Forest.

General notes: Moist forest edge after burn. Herb. Purple flowers. Common in scrub with bramble, Helichrysum etc. ex Saasveld Det: F. von Breitenbach

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238545-0 Collector(s) & number: Bolus, H, 367 | 1882-12-

South Africa, Western Cape, CAPE TOWN; DEVILS MOUNTAIN; NR. TOWN

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0705324-0 Collector(s) & number: Esterhuysen, EE, 35734 | 1981-12-25

South Africa, Western Cape, CAPE PENINSULA; KIRSTENBOSCH

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238538-0 Collector(s) & number: Marloth, HWR, 59 | 1884-4-

South Africa, Western Cape, DEVILS PEAK

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238559-0 Collector(s) & number: Fourcade, HG, 1928 | 1921-12-

South Africa, Eastern Cape, WITTE ELS BOSCH; MT. SLOPES ABOVE WITTE ELS BOSCH

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0641450-0 Collector(s) & number: Botha, DJ, 3126 | 1983-4-14

South Africa, Western Cape, KNYSNA; DIEPWALLE BOSRESERVE; OLIFANTSWANDELPAD VANAF BOSBOU SE KANTOOR TOT BY PIEKNIEKPLEK. LANGS VOETPAD

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238546-0 Collector(s) & number: Compton, RH, 13015 | 1942-2-7

South Africa, Western Cape, CAPE PENINSULA; KIRSTENBOSCH; WINDOW BUTTRESS

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0236612-0 Collector(s) & number: Boucher, C, 853 | 1969-11-5

South Africa, Western Cape, PEARLY BEACH; 4 MI. FROM PEARLY BEACH

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0786531-0 Collector(s) & number: Phillips, JFV, SAAS 1197 | 1926-12-17

South Africa, Western Cape, Knysna; Deepwalls Forest.

General notes: A rambling forest weed causing damage to seedlings when it is dense. ex Saasveld Det: F. von Breitenbach

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0786502-0 Collector(s) & number: Kruger, FJ, 1606 | 1972-11-27

South Africa, Western Cape, Jonkershoek State Forest; Langrivier.

General notes: On upper contour path in dense undergrowth. Herb 1m tall. Light purple flowers. Locally abundant. Det: F.J. Kruger

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0484433-0 Collector(s) & number: Bower, D, 546 | 1975-10-13

South Africa, Eastern Cape, TSITSIKAMA FOR. AND; DE PLAATBOS

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0238547-0 Collector(s) & number: Horn, DHS, SKF2362 | 1960-9-

South Africa, Western Cape, KNYSNA DIV.; DEEPWALLS FOR.

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0786498-0 Collector(s) & number: Haynes, RA, 1039 | 1975-5-30

South Africa, Western Cape, Jonkershoek State Forest; Langrivier.

General notes: In moist seepage area on forest fringe; six months after fire. Germinative herb .5m tall. Mauve flowers. Occasional. Det: R.A. Haynes

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Barcode: PRE0484292-0 Collector(s) & number: Bower, D, 662 | 1975-11-11

South Africa, Eastern Cape, TSITSIKAMA FOR. AND; DE PLAATBOS

Data Resource: BODATSA View record

Observation records

Date: 3/25/2011 12:00:00 AM

Western Cape, South Africa

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 12/6/2014 12:00:00 AM

Western Cape, South Africa

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 2/7/2020 10:56:00 AM

Western Cape, South Africa

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 1/29/2021 11:48:00 AM

Western Cape

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 1/29/2021 11:47:00 AM

Western Cape

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 3/11/2021 4:52:49 PM

Western Cape, South Africa

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 11/27/2016 12:00:00 AM

Western Cape, South Africa

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 3/21/2021 1:41:54 PM

Western Cape

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 4/17/2021 1:53:00 PM

Western Cape, South Africa

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Date: 5/2/2021 3:16:59 PM

Western Cape

Data Resource: iNaturalist View record

Plant occurence records per dataset

Plant occurence records per year

Occurrence records map

This map contains point-based occurrences at different locations

iNaturalist: BODATSA: Data partners records:

2019

SERIES CHAPTER

Lamiaceae Bredenkamp, CL; Ngoepe, N

In: CL Bredenkamp (ed.), A Flora of the Eastern Cape Province. Strelitzia 41(2)1125-1164

South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria

2012

SERIES CHAPTER

Lamiaceae Manning, JC; Goldblatt, P

In: J Manning & P Goldblatt (eds), Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape flora. Strelitzia 29: 601-604

South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria

1985

FLORA CHAPTER

Lamiaceae: 1. Ajuga Codd, LEW

In: OA Leistner (ed.). Flora of Southern Africa 28(4)7-8

Botanical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Pretoria

1985

FLORA CHAPTER

Lamiaceae: 13. Stachys Codd, LEW

In: OA Leistner (ed.). Flora of Southern Africa 28(4)51-78

Botanical Research Institute, Department of Agriculture and Water Supply, Pretoria

No results found for Stachys thunbergii Benth.

Status

Global

Status and criteria

LC

Assessment date

2016-12-04

Assessor(s)

Plantae Coordinator

Distribution

Range

The Aardwolf has a disjunct distribution in Africa, occurring in two discrete areas (1,500 km apart), one in East and northeastern Africa and one in southern Africa (Skinner &amp; Chimimba 2005). The southern African distribution includes South Africa, Swaziland, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and a narrow strip in the western region of Mozambique. Aardwolf distribution is largely determined by the distribution of <em>Trinervitermes </em>termites, which constitute their principle food (Anderson 2013).<br/><br/>Within the assessment region, Aardwolves occur throughout the nine provinces in areas with suitable habitats. This species favours drier areas, most notably in the Northern Cape game ranch and farming lands. Within the North West Province, Power (2014) estimated that its range has expanded by 8% since 1983, and that Aardwolves were common at Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve. There are no records from Lesotho (Lynch 1994).<br/><br/>Richmond-Coggan (2014) interviewed 190 landowners across South Africa and asked whether they had seen Aardwolf on their properties. Aardwolves were found on at least one property in all nine of South Africa’s provinces. Forty-five percent of respondents indicated that this species was present on their land. Eastern Cape (50%), Free State (71%), Gauteng (50%), and Northern Cape (50%) respondents indicated the highest proportion of properties with Aardwolf presence. Lowest Aardwolf presence was indicated in KwaZulu-Natal (25%).

Habitat and ecology

Major system

Terrestrial

Major habitats

Open, grassy plains constitute the prime habitat of this species. The Aardwolf is entirely absent from forests or pure desert (Anderson 2013). However, in southern Africa it occupies diverse habitats, ranging from the karroid habitats of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, the grasslands and scrub of Botswana, the open savannah woodlands of Zimbabwe, to the inland gravel plains of the Namib Desert in Namibia (Skinner &amp; Chimimba 2005). The species has been recorded to 2,000 m asl in Ethiopia (Yalden et al. 1996). Throughout their distribution, Aardwolves have been recorded to feed primarily on nasute harvester termites (genus <em>Trinervitermes</em>) and, in any particular region, mainly on one species. They are largely independent of water, obtaining their moisture requirements from termites (Anderson 2013).<br/><br/>Female Aardwolves come into pro-oestrus in the latter weeks of June and mating generally occurs in the first two weeks of July (Skinner &amp; Chimimba 2005). Aardwolves are considered socially monogamous but sexually polygamous with numerous extra-pair copulations occurring in the short winter mating period (Estes 1991; Skinner &amp; Chimimba 2005). Gestation period is approximately 90 days and most litters consist of between two to four cubs, sometimes five (Photo 1). In the assessment region, cubs are born between October and December (Skinner &amp; Chimimba 2005; Marneweck et al. 2015). The female gives birth in a den where the cubs remain for up to a month before emerging. Males will assist in the rearing of the young. Between 4 and 6 weeks, the cubs remain close to the den. As the cubs get older, they will venture further away from the den. Eventually between 12 and 16 weeks, the cubs will forage with an adult throughout the territory (Skinner &amp; Chimimba 2005).<br/><br/>All scientific reports on Aardwolf foraging and diet agree that this species is an obligate insectivore (Cooper &amp; Skinner 1979; Richardson 1987; Matsebula et al. 2009; de Vries et al. 2011) and poses no risk to livestock. There are, however, historic anecdotal accounts of Aardwolf taking vertebrate prey items (Estes 1991; Nowak 1991; D. Marneweck pers. obs. 2011). For example, Kingdon (1977) reported that an Aardwolf had killed a number of birds and Bothma and Nel (1980) described Aardwolves to have eaten small rodents, carrion, eggs, birds and baby tortoises. However, such instances are likely to be very rare based on the paucity of such reports (Yarnell &amp; MacTavish 2013). A comprehensive review of the species’ ecology can be found in Koehler and Richardson (1990) and Anderson (2013).<br/><strong><br/>Ecosystem and cultural services:</strong> No specific ecosystem service reported. See below for cultural services.

Threats

There are currently no major threats to Aardwolves. In South Africa, the Aardwolf was previously persecuted by some farmers for the mistaken belief that it was a predator of livestock, chickens and eggs (Richardson 1984; Anderson 1988). However, such reports are not substantiated by studies of gut or faecal contents and probably result from mistaken identity with hyaenas or jackals (Anderson 2013), and this perception has subsequently changed. They are, however, the occasional inadvertent victims of problem animal control operations, especially those using gin traps (M.D. Anderson pers. comm. 2015).

Loss of habitat, through urbanisation or expansion of industrial agriculture may have negative impacts. Additionally, some farmers in South Africa destroy termitaria, using a plough or poisons, which diminishes Aardwolves’ resource base, and poisons used for locust control may also have negative effects (Anderson 2013).

Although Aardwolves usually avoid roadways, motor vehicle collisions contribute to mortality as well. As they are wide-ranging and not often restricted by fencing, they often cross main roads and are killed. For example, between April 2013 and December 2016, 301 Aardwolves were found as roadkill across South Africa (EWT unpubl. data), which is likely a small fraction of the actual number killed.

As a highly specialised forager, Aardwolves may be vulnerable to future environmental changes, for example, shifts in grassland communities caused by global warming. However, as the ecological outcomes of future temperature fluctuations are uncertain, it is unclear to what extent they will impact Aardwolf populations.

Population

Population trend

The Aardwolf is widely distributed within the assessment region and the population appears to be stable (Richmond-Coggan 2014). In prime habitat (open grassland and scrub regions), densities may reach 1 adult / km² on farms with good populations of termites and no persecution by farmers (Bashant 2008; Anderson 2013). Our understanding of the population sizes and trends of Aardwolves is uncertain and further research is required to quantify the population.

Bibliography

ELECTRONIC SOURCE
IUCN 2016. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2016-3

JOURNAL ARTICLE
Dijkstra, K.-D.B. and Clausnitzer, V. 2014. The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Eastern Africa: Handbook for all Odonata from Sudan to Zimbabwe.. Studies in Afrotropical Zoology. 298:1-264

ELECTRONIC SOURCE
IUCN 2016. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2016-3

JOURNAL ARTICLE
Dijkstra, K.-D.B. and Clausnitzer, V. 2014. The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Eastern Africa: Handbook for all Odonata from Sudan to Zimbabwe.. Studies in Afrotropical Zoology. 298:1-264

Part(s) of plant used Use(s) Reference
Plant Emollient A household remedy used as an emollient fomentation. Watt, JM; Breyer-Brandwijk, MG. 1962. The medicinal and poisonous plants of southern and eastern Africa: Being an account of their medicinal and other uses, chemical composition, pharmachological effects and toxicology in man and animal, 2nd ed. Livingstone, Edinburgh. [All rights reserved]

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