Nemesia affinis can be found close to the coast and on sandy and granite slopes. It is an annual of maximum 30 cm. The flowers are variations of white, blue and yellow. The flowers are two-lipped, with the upper lip consisting of four lobes and the lower lip two lobes with a cream to yellow palate,with 2 velvety swellings.

POLLINATION

When a bee lands on the lower lip, the “mouth” of the “lion” opens, giving the insect access to the nectar. Hence the common names "snapdragons, lionhead" or "leeubekkies". It is uncertain why it is also called "weeskindertjies".

Various hybrids have been selected to create popular garden plants.