Mitriostigma axillare

Mitriostigma axillare

Common Names

Dwerglukwart, Basterlukwart (afrikaans)Dwarf Loquat, Small False Loquat (english)

Taxonomy

Family RUBIACEAE
Genus Mitriostigma
Species axillare
SA Plant Number 689.2
Basionym Mitriostigma axillare

Description

Mitriostigma axillare is a hardy, evergreen, slow growing, wonderfully glossy shrub or small tree with smooth brown bark. It has beautiful, quite large, quilted, glossy leaves. The beautiful, white, star-shaped flowers are clustered along the previous season’s branchlets and adorn the tree from August to November. The strong, sweet scent of these large clusters of flowers attract pollinating insects, including moths and butterflies to the garden. The bright orange fruit is conspicuous against the dark green leaves and is much sought after by birds. The decorative fruit persists on the plant almost all year round.

The Dwarf Loquat is a useful garden plant for areas in deep shade. It makes a wonderful indoor and container plant.

Plant in well-composted soil and water regularly to encourage faster growth.

Size: 0.5 to 4m

Seeds

Lifestyle Seeds may have stock of Mitriostigma axillare seeds.

Wildlife

Birds: Mitriostigma axillare produces fleshy red fruit that fruit-eating birds relish. Possibly eaten by monkeys too.

Uses

Landscaping: Beautiful plant for shady areas, where it can screen a low wall. Good container plant and indoor container plant.

Distribution

KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape

Natural Habitat Dune, coastal and scarp forest

+

Admin Notice: