Family ANACARDIACEAE
Genus Loxostylis
Species alata
SA Plant Number 365
Basionym Loxostylis alata

Loxostylis alata is a fairly hardy, evergreen, small to medium sized decorative tree with corky grey bark.

It bears sprays of pretty white, scented flowers from October to April. Male and female flowers on separate trees. The sepals of the female flowers enlarge and turn bright red hiding their small dry fruit.

The leaves have a drooping habit and are glossy dark green. The new growth is red and this most attractive small tree bears these beautiful red colours throughout the growing season.

A beautiful small tree for full sun or semi-shade.

The bark and the leaves are used medicinally.

Size 5 to 8 m

Pollinating Insects: Attract pollinating insects to the garden.

Medicinal: The bark and leaves of Loxostylis alata are both used in traditional medicine

Landscaping: Makes a decorative, medium-height avenue tree with its fine, drooping foliage.

KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape

Natural Habitat Sandstone outcrops and forest margins.  

Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Hardiness - Frost: Fairly Hardy, Hardiness - Frost: Protect when young, Plant Type: Tree - Medium, Plant Type: Tree - Small, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Sun - Full, Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, Soil: Sandy Soil, Garden Uses: Avenue Plant, Garden Uses: Hedge, Garden Uses: Long Flowering, Garden Uses: Screen plant - medium, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Garden Uses: Specimen, Flower colour: White - Cream, Garden type: Forest Garden, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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