It is used as an ornamental shrub. The generic name plumbago comes from the Latin word and means plant that heals the plumbum, a disease caused by the lead in water that the ancient Romans drank. This lead poisoning apparently was because tap water was brought to the houses of Roman citizens through pipes made with this metal, of which we have good examples in the nearby town of Italica, located less than 10 kilometers from Seville and homeland of Hispanic emperors like Trajan and Hadrian. The roots of this plant are said to heal this uncomfortable condition characterized by spots on the eyes. The botanical name can also refer to the leaden blue flowers, present during the summer and fall. Overall in Seville this plant of South African origin, of the area of the Cape, grows well. The specimen in question has been in this location for over 35 years.