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Pictures courtesy
www.newplant.co.za
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 Coast silver oak, Kusvaalbos, Phahla, Mphahla, umPhahla - Brachylaena discolor
This excellent evergreen coastal tree can be
found growing from the Eastern Cape to Mozambique, and is easily
distinguishable from a distance by its silvery-blue appearance. It is
fast growing and can commonly be found growing in groups, in low-lying
dune forests, coastal woodlands and on the margins of evergreen forests.
It can also be found growing alongside rivers and in woodlands of the
bushveld-savannah. It has a natural tendency to form a dense bushy shrub
or a multi-stemmed tree that branches low down, to form an irregular
v-shaped canopy. In the garden and in exposed positions it will grow
about 4 to 10m tall but in the protection of the forest it can reach 20m
or more.
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The trunk reaches
45cm in diameter and is covered with light brown
fibrous bark and the shiny, dark green leaves have grey undersides,
that are densely covered with silvery hairs. During winter and spring
the bush is entirely covered with large panicles of creamy,
thistle-like flowers that are rich in nectar; attracting birds, bees
and other insects. Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees.
Small brown nutlets, in a brown capsule; follow the flowers.
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The coastal silver oak is a very decorative shrub or small to
medium-sized tree that has a non-invasive root system, making it ideal
for gardens, schools and parks. It responds well to pruning and is an
excellent hedging or screening plant that is particularly useful for
stabilising dunes. Prune off the lower branches to form a shade tree.
If space is limited it will grow easily in a large pot.
Brachylaena discolor is popular with beekeepers as it makes good
honey. The yellow wood is very strong and durable and is used in the
manufacture of boats, huts, fence posts, knobkerries etc, and the
bitter leaves are occasionally browsed by buck. The leaves were used by
Africans and the European settlers medicinally, to treat kidney
conditions, diabetes, chest pain and internal parasites. The ashes of
the tree were used by the settlers, to provide the alkali needed in
soap making and the roots and stems are used by Zulu diviners to
communicate with their ancestors.
Plant it in full sun or semi-shade, in sandy to loamy soils, with
added compost. Mulch thickly and water regularly until established.
Once established it is drought and frost resistant. It is propagated
from heel cuttings, taken during spring, or from seed sown in spring or
summer.
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