Lemon, spice, dandelion

Acrylics on Masonite, 15 x 20 cm:

Pompom weed

Pretty, but very invasive in some areas of South Africa: pompom weed (Campuloclinium macrocephalum). Originally from South America, it has spread into many South African habitats, where it often displaces areas of grassland.

People in the know tell me that pulling these out can stimulate the remaining bits of root to even further growth, thus worsening the problem. Currently controlled by the laborious method of spraying herbicide on individual plants while trying not to harm the plants surrounding it, and by removing and burning the flowers. 

Wild wormwood

Artemisia afra, also known as wild wormwood or, in Afrikaans, wilde als, a common herb in Gauteng. Used by traditional healers to treat chest conditions and intestinal worms. The crushed leaves are fragrant and probably actually help to open up the sinuses. Not sure about the worms, mind you.