African pepperwort
Lepidium africanum (Burm.f.) DC.
African pepperwort is a short-lived herb that can behave as an annual, biennial or perennial in different accounts. Its pale to yellow-green shoots branch most heavily in their upper, flowering portions. Lower leaves gather into a basal rosette, while smaller leaves continue up the stem. Kew Plants of the World Online: Lepidium africanumSANBI Biodiversity Advisor: Lepidium africanum
Botanical name
Lepidium africanum (Burm.f.) DC. is accepted in Brassicaceae. The supplied author spacing does not change the species identity. Kew Plants of the World Online: Lepidium africanum
Recognizing the plant
The basal blades are narrow toward the stalk and broader toward the tip, with coarse teeth often largest near the end. Upper leaves may have only a few teeth or smooth margins. The tiny white petals are shorter than the sepals, and flowers usually have just two stamens. Elongating flower clusters develop small oval seed pods, roughly 2–3 mm long, with a shallow notch at the tip. Their short stalks may ascend or curve outward. SANBI Biodiversity Advisor: Lepidium africanum
Bloom window
Core Cape Floristic Region, South Africa
The Core Cape flora records flowering from October through January in its South African treatment. SANBI Biodiversity Advisor: Lepidium africanum
Native range
The native range extends from northeastern Sudan through eastern and southern Africa and into the Arabian Peninsula. In South Africa it occurs on mountain slopes, riverbanks and disturbed rocky or gravelly ground. Introduced populations are widespread in Australia and parts of Europe. Kew Plants of the World Online: Lepidium africanumSANBI Biodiversity Advisor: Lepidium africanum
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.