Family ARALIACEAE
Genus Cussonia
Species spicata
SA Plant Number 564
Basionym Cussonia spicata

Cussonia spicata is a fast growing, mostly evergreen, fairly hardy, decorative tree with attractive corky bark that makes a lovely form plant.

The large bright green leaves are crowded at the tips of the branches.

Small greenish flowers are borne on robust erect candle-like spikes from April to June. The fruits that turn black when ripe attract birds.

It is the host plant to Charaxes butterflies and emperor moths.

It becomes frost resistant if protected when young, especially from cold winds. Good container plant or garden subject, but do not plant close to walls as it has aggressive, fleshy, swollen roots.

The roots were used as a source of moisture in times of drought. It has many medicinal uses.

Size 3 to 10m

Host plant: Host to Emperor Moth larvae and Charaxes Butterfly larvae

Fruit for Birds: Fruit-eating birds of all description relish the ripe fruit.

Landscaping: A good form plant whether in the garden or in a container. Grows well in a container. Good plant to add height to a rockery or rock garden.

Traditional medicine: Used widely in traditional medicine

Traditional uses: The roots were used as a source of moisture in drought-stricken times.

Limpopo, North West Province, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal,  Eastern Cape, Western Cape

Natural Habitat Forest margins, wooded grassland, Bushveld and rocky outcrops

Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Hardiness - Frost: Fairly Hardy, Plant Type: Tree - Medium, Plant Type: Tree - Small, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Sun - Afternoon, Position: Sun - Full, Position: Sun - Morning, Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, Soil: Well-drained, Edible: Edible fruit, Garden Uses: Bird Friendly, Garden Uses: Butterfly Host, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Form Plant, Garden Uses: Hot afternoon sun, Garden Uses: Local to Gauteng, Garden Uses: Rockeries and retaining walls, Garden Uses: Specimen, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Hardy, Flower colour: Green shades, Flower colour: White - Cream, Garden type: Arid garden, Garden type: Rocky outcrop and Koppie Gardens, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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