Cape Snowbush is a bushy evergreen shrub of up to 1 metre tall. The plant consists of thin, silvery grey leaves, which smells slightly like Eucalyptus when crushed. The leaves are arranged in tufts along the branches. Special features include the grey leaf colour which reflects sunlight and thereby reduces leaf temperature.

The minute, silvery hairs covering the leaves trap moisture and thus reduce transpiration. The small, needle-shaped leaves are another adaptation that limits water loss. Flowering times vary, but the best displays are in winter when the whole shrub is covered in small, white flowers. Typical of the family Asteraceae, the flowers are a composition of 2-3 showy white ray florets on the outside and purple disc florets in the centre.

Cape Snowbush is also known as Kapokbossie, African rosemary, Wild Rosemary or Eriocephalus. Medicinally, Eriocephalus is known as an anti-spasmodic and was traditionally used as a diuretic, a diaphoretic, as well as treatment for coughs, colds and stomach ailments.

It has also been used to stimulate and improve the circulation in the body, relax muscles, soothe migraines and improve memory.

Cape Snowbush is a well-known essential oil. It is used in aromatherapy for its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antidepressant and antiseptic properties. In fact, Cape chamomile is distilled from Eriocephalus tenuifolius, a close relative of E. punctulatus (Sandasi et al., 2011).

Wild rosemary is said to possess similar properties to regular rosemary and is great as a hair rinse and to promote hair growth. It can also be placed in conditioner to stimulate hair growth.

Caution:

May affect sensitive skin. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.