Anastrabe integerrima

Anastrabe integerrima

Common Names

Pambati Tree (english)Pambatihout (afrikaans)isiBhembedu, isiNqunjana (zulu)isiPambatho (xhosa)

Taxonomy

Family SCROPHULARIACEAE
Genus Anastrabe
Species integerrima
SA Plant Number 671
Basionym Anastrabe integerrima

Description

Large, fairly hardy plant that forms an attractive, dense, rounded shrub or, if pruned, forms a lovely small tree. It has glossy, handsome, distinctly veined, serrated leaves that are olive green above and creamy brown below. It produces clusters of yellow flowers with a red tinged throat in profusion between Oct. and Feb., but may flower intermittently all year round. Birds will utilise the dense structure of Anastrabe for nesting and as a source of food from the insects that are attracted to the flowers. The hard wood is utilised for building and carving as it is termite resistant.

Size: 3 to 10m

Wildlife

Plants for Pollinators: Many insects are attracted to the flowers, which they pollinate.

Insects for Birds: Many insectivorous bird species are attracted to this tree by the many insects that visit the flowers.  Birds also favour this as a nesting site because of the density of the foliage, which offers them seclusion.

Uses

Fencing posts: The termite-resistant wood makes this a favoured timber from which fencing posts are made.

Landscaping: This evergreen tall shrub or small tree has a number of favourable landscape uses. Non-agressive root system means it is suitable for near pools and in small spaces and gardens. It makes a lovely container plant if pruned well. When pruned regularly to promote dense foliage, it makes a very good and attractive large screen.

Distribution

Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal

Natural Habitat Coastal forest, dry forest margins, sandstone cliffs, rocky outcrops, along streams and in forested ravines.

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