Phymaspermum acerosum commonly known as Geelblombos will brighten up any dull area in the garden during the autumn months. The geelblombos, from the summer rainfall area, is an erect straggly shrub, reaching a height and width of 1.5-2 m. It is a multi-stemmed perennial with woody, densely leaved stems. The genus name Phymaspermum is derived from the Greek phyma meaning swelling and sperma meaning seed and the species name acerosum means needle shaped, like a pine needle. In traditional medicine, Phymaspermum acerosum is used as a charm to ward off lightning. Because of it is rapid growth, it is used as a pioneer plant. Phymaspermum acerosum is found growing in colonies along forest margins and in grassland at altitudes of 90-2200 m. It is found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Lesotho, Mpumalanga, Swaziland, Gauteng and the Northern Province.