Sutera

Sutera is an accepted genus in the family Scrophulariaceae, native to southern tropical and southern Africa. Kew currently lists four accepted species, while the Flora Zambesiaca account describes members as annual or perennial herbs and small shrubs with erect, decumbent or ascending forms. [Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:38038-1) provides the accepted name, classification and distribution. ## Botanical Profile Across the genus, leaves are usually opposite and may have toothed, crenate, lobed or incised margins. Flowers can be solitary in leaf axils or arranged in terminal racemes, cymes or spikes, so appearance varies among species. Kew’s accepted list includes *Sutera brunnea*, *S. cooperi*, *S. foetida* and *S. griquensis*. ## Growing Guidance Identify the species before choosing a site or estimating mature size. Light, soil, watering, flowering season and hardiness should be matched to the particular Sutera species rather than generalized across the genus. ## Maintenance Follow species-specific guidance for pruning, watering and seasonal care.