Common name: Dogbane
Coleus neochilus (Schltr.) Codd APNI* Synonyms: Plectranthus neochilus Schltr. APNI*
Description: Decumbent to erect, densely branched (often forming a loose to dense mat) succulent herb to 0.5 m tall. Strong unpleasant scent released when touched or crushed. Orange multicellular sessile glands scattered. Branches finely tomentose, sparsely to densely villous. Does not form a distinctive tuber.
Leaves concolorous, succulent, tending to fold along the midrib; petiole 5–15 mm long; lamina obovate to elliptic-ovate, to 25 mm long, 15–35 mm wide, apex obtuse to rounded, base cuneate to attenuate, margin obscurely crenate in the upper half with 4–6 pairs of teeth, upper and lower surface sparsely to densely appressed pubescent (especially on nerves of lower surface), orange multicellular sessile glands on lower surface.
Inflorescence a racemose branch 70–150 mm long, verticillasters 6-flowered, crowded at apex but becoming laxer basipetally. Pedicel erect, appressed to the stem, 3–4 mm long. Calyx c .3 mm long. Corolla mauve purple, rarely whitish, the upper lip paler and bluish, 12–20 mm long. Stamen slightly exserted, 8–11 mm long, pollen white. Style exserted, to 16 mm long.
Fruiting calyx accrescent, to c. 6 mm long.
Flowering: throughout year.
Distribution and occurrence: Cultivated in Australia. Native from regions of southern Africa. Unconfirmed as to whether naturalised in the Sydney district. In its native range it is found under trees in dry, open woodland and among rocks in grassland.
NSW subdivisions: *CC
The three species C. caninus, C. comosus and C. neochilus form a closely related group.
Text by T.C.Wilson (April 2026)
Taxon concept: Paton A.J. (2019) Nomenclatural changes in Coleus and Plectranthus(Lamiaceae): a tale of more than two genera. PhytoKeys 129:1–158.
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data
***The AVH map option provides a detailed interactive Australia wide distribution map drawn from collections held by all major Australian herbaria participating in the Australian Virtual Herbarium project.
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