Fauna
Plant

Woolly Plectranthus

Coleus barbatus

Also known as Indian Coleus, Forskohlii, False Boldo

Woolly Plectranthus is a robust, aromatic perennial herb lined with thick, velvety down that softens its four-sided stems and scalloped foliage. Long spikes of vibrant blue to violet flowers rise above the scented foliage in autumn and winter, drawing an array of native bees and pollinators. Beyond its role in rocky subtropical scrublands, the plant holds an enduring place in Ayurvedic tradition as the primary botanical source of forskolin.

AromaticMedicinalPerennial
Woolly Plectranthus reference
(c) Shaun Swanepoel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Shaun Swanepoel · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (photosynthetic)
Predators
  • Grasshoppers
  • Spider mites
  • Whiteflies
ThreatsOverharvesting of wild tubers for herbal trade and localized habitat loss
HabitatsSubtropical dry slopes, open bushland, rocky hillsides, and cultivated gardens
Life span3–5 years (perennial)
Classification
  1. OrderLamiales
  2. FamilyLamiaceae
  3. GenusColeus
  4. SpeciesColeus barbatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Toxic to dogs and cats if ingested; observe wild plants safely without consuming.
Why it is dangerous
Contains essential oils and diterpenes such as forskolin that induce vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness in dogs and cats.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for square stems, velvety scalloped green leaves, and erect spikes of blue-purple two-lipped flowers.
What to do
Grow out of reach of household pets and seek veterinary assistance immediately if foliage is chewed.
Responsible observation
  • Scent check: Brush a leaf gently to detect its distinct, pungent camphor aroma.
  • Cultivation: Pinch stem tips in late spring to encourage dense, bushy branching.
Related species
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