The genus Freylinia is placed in the Scrophulariaceae family. It was named after Count L. de Freylino who owned a famous garden in Buttigliera near Marengo in Italy in the early 19th century.

Freylinia tropica commonly known as Waterberg Bell-bush, Blue Honey-bell, Blue Freylinia and Inyanga Hedge Plant is a South African indigenous species found in the Limpopo Province. It is said that in South Africa, this species is localized to the Waterberg region though it also occurs in the Chimanimani Mountains in Zimbabwe. Freylinia tropica is a beautiful shrub with slender rather loosely spreading branches. It is fairly fast growing and reaches a height of about 2m with 1m spread. It flowers profusely yielding a light mauve to bright blue display. Flowering time for this stunning shrub is mainly in spring. Freylinia tropica is often used as a hedging plant. The plants also do well in containers on the patio. They are highly versatile and decorative shrubs and will work in most garden designs.