selago

Selago is a genus of flowering plants in the family Scrophulariaceae, comprising herbaceous perennials and small shrubs that are native to Africa and surrounding regions. The genus was described by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century.

Plants in the genus Selago are typically low to mid-height with simple or sometimes branching stems and opposite leaves. They produce small tubular flowers arranged in dense spikes or racemes, often with pale throats. Flower colors range from white to blue or purple, and many species have a delicate, powdery appearance.

Selago species are mainly found in southern Africa, with some species occurring across tropical Africa and in Madagascar. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including grasslands, rocky outcrops, and shrublands, where they often prefer well-drained soils and sunny to lightly shaded conditions.

Ecology and cultivation: Selago flowers attract bees and other pollinators and are sometimes grown as ornamental plants in rock gardens or borders. In cultivation, they generally prefer sunny locations, lean to moderately fertile soil, and good drainage; drought tolerance varies among species.

Taxonomy and diversity: Selago is placed in Scrophulariaceae under modern classifications, though historically it has been variably treated in related families. Notable species include Selago densiflora and Selago repens, among others native to southern Africa. The genus is small in cultivation but of interest for its delicate inflorescences and regional biodiversity.