Cussonia paniculata paniculata

Common Names

Karookiepersol (afrikaans)Karoo Cabbage Tree (english)

Taxonomy

Family ARALIACEAE
Genus Cussonia
Species paniculata
Sub Specie paniculata
SA Plant Number 563.1
Basionym Cussonia paniculata paniculata

Description

Cussonia paniculata is a hardy, semi-deciduous, drought resistant tree. The beautiful leaves are large and leathery and clustered at the ends of the branches.

They differ from Cussonia. paniculata var. sinuata in that the margins are wavy, almost entire and the leaves are silvery grey. This is an ideal form plant with a truly indigenous look. The spikes of flowers are borne in large, robust branched flowering stems from January to March.

These are followed by purple fruits that attract birds to the garden. The fruit is said to be edible. It is a host to the emperor moth larvae and the flowers are insect pollinated which also attracts birds.

Plant in well-drained soil and be careful not to over water, treat it like a succulent. Looks beautiful growing in among rocks, as a gorgeous feature plant.

It grows well in rocky areas and is a lovely element of a bush clump when planted with Olea europaea subsp. africana and Buddleja spp.

Size Up to 4m

Wildlife

Moths: Host to the Emperor Moth larvae

Distribution

KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, 

Habitat:Rocky Outcrops, Rugged Mountainsides

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