Xiphotheca fruticosa (L.) A.L.Schutte & B.-e.van Wyk

Single-stemmed, tree-like shrub up to 2 m tall, not sprouting after fire, or sometimes, a many-stemmed shrub up to 0.7 m tall, sprouting after fire; woody rootstock sometimes present. Leaves alternate, elliptic, flat, silvery, densely sericeous on both surfaces, glabrescent. Inflorescences aggregated into head-like synflorescences at tips of main branches, somewhat concealed by supporting leaves; peduncle absent. Bracts narrowly elliptic to linear, 5-9 mm long. Pedicel 2.5-3.0 mm long. Bracteoles absent. Calyx not intrusive at base; lobes acuminate, shorter than the tube; carinal lobe slightly longer than upper four; densely sericeous. Wing petals auriculate; pocket inconspicuous on outer surface. Ovary with 2 to 3 ovules; densely tomentose. Pods inflated; tomentose. Seeds pale greenish brown, mottled dark brown.