Family RUBIACEAE
Genus Pavetta
Species gardenifolia
SA Plant Number
Basionym Pavetta gardenifolia

Pavetta gardeniifolia is a hardy, deciduous, sometimes evergreen large shrub or small tree with glossy dark green leaves.

The beautiful clusters of creamy-white, sweetly scented, nectar- rich flowers are borne at Christmas (November to January) hence the common name. The flowers attract a whole host of birds including sunbirds and insects that feast on the nectar. The black fruits that follow are edible and attract fruit eating birds.

Plant in sun or semi shade in well composted soil.

It is a little slow growing but very worthwhile.

Size: 2 to 4 meters

Insects: The flowers attract insects.

Birds: The flowers attract a whole host of birds including sunbirds that come and feast on the nectar.

Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West

Natural Habitat Koppies, rocky outcrops, and open woodland.  

Growth Rate: Slow Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Deciduous , Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Shrub - Large, Plant Type: Tree - Small, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Sun - Full, Soil: Loamy - Compost rich Soil, Edible: Edible fruit, Garden Uses: Bird Friendly, Garden Uses: Butterfly Host, Garden Uses: Local to Gauteng, Garden Uses: Screen plant - large, Flower colour: White - Cream, Garden type: Rocky outcrop and Koppie Gardens, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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