Wavy Heliotrope

The Wavy Heliotrope (Heliotropium crispum, Boraginaceae) is one of the plants that grow in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is a perennial subshrub belonging to the Boraginaceae family. It is commonly found in limestone and sandy areas in Riyadh Province and is considered a fodder plant. It is widespread in sandy valleys and agricultural lands and also grows in rocky terrains.

The Wavy Heliotrope plant attracts certain types of insects and serves as a primary food source for butterfly larvae. It is distinguished by its ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions, as it is resistant to salinity, wind, drought, and intense sunlight. It can also endure frost down to minus six degrees Celsius. The plant reproduces through direct seeding or by planting seeds and transplanting seedlings.

The Wavy Heliotrope grows to a height of approximately 0.5 m and spreads up to 0.8 m. It has a woody base from which multiple white, rough-textured branches emerge. Its leaves are small, thread-like, and grayish-green in color. The flowers are white with a yellow center, appearing in March and April, with a size of 0.3 cm. They grow on one side of the stem in a wavy pattern. It also has a small nutlet fruit measuring 0.2 cm, and its roots grow deep underground over long distances.

The Wavy Heliotrope has various medicinal properties and is also suitable for ornamental and landscape planting as a low-growing ground cover. However, it requires some care, as it tends to lose its vibrancy over time. Watering it during the summer improves its appearance and enhances its vegetative growth.