Dais cotinifolia is a small Southern African tree belonging to the Thymelaeaceae family, which is also called the “fibre bark” or “gonna” family of plants. It includes indigenous South African genera such as Gnidia, Passerina, Lachnaea and Dais, and most of the plants in this family were traditionally used by the San and Khoi-Khoi people to manufacture string and rope.
Dias cotinifolia is a charming little tree (SA Tree No: 521) and is common in the eastern parts of South Africa, occurring mainly along the coastline from the Eastern Cape, through the Transkei and into Kwa-Zulu Natal, and extending into Mpumalanga and Limpopo. It is very adaptable and is just as happy growing in the dry bushveld as it is in the mist belt of KZN. It can be found growing on the margins of forests, along the banks of rivers and streams, on wooded slopes and in the surrounding thicket of rocky outcrops and kloofs, as well as sheltered grassland areas.
It is unmistakable in the wild when in full bloom, and quite a breath-taking sight, as the entire tree is smothered in a cloud of delicately-scented flowers which can range in colour from pink to pale lilac, and each small flower in the larger clusters is tubular, spreading into 5 narrow petals in front and with prominent golden yellow anthers. The pompom tree can bloom anytime in summer, depending on where you live. In some regions it will bloom in late spring and early summer, and in others, in November and December. The flowers attract butterflies, honeybees, and many other insects. The fruit is a small reddish-brown nutlet and the tiny black seeds can be collected a couple of months after flowering.
Dais cotinifolia has been cultivated in European gardens from as far back as 1764, and the name Dias means “torch” in Greek and refers to the layout of the flowers. In South Africa it has become one of our most beloved indigenous trees, and besides its common name of Pompom Tree, it is also called the Pincushion Tree, Kannabas, Speldekussing, Basboom, inTozani, and inTozwane-emnyama.
Its ultimate height is dependent on climate and growing conditions, varying from 4 to 6m tall, and if left un-pruned it can spread 1 to 4m wide. Although it has been known to reach 12m in height under ideal conditions, it rarely exceeds 6m in cultivation. The tree can be single or multi-stemmed, and has a neat upright growth habit, developing a dense, rounded crown of attractive, bright green leaves, sometimes with a bluish-green tinge on the upper sides. In very cold regions of the country the trees are deciduous, but in warmer climates like Cape Town they will only lose their leaves for a short time in late winter.
Click here to see Google images of the pompom tree
Uses:
The strong, sinuous bark of the pompom tree is greyish and covered in small speckles of whitish cork, and because it contains tannin, indigenous people and the early European settlers used the bark for tanning hides. It was also used to tie down thatched roofs on huts, for weaving and the making of a good quality rope, and excellent whips.
It is difficult to break off a branch of this tree because the bark tears off in long strips, which accounts for its common name, Kannabas. Sadly today, wild trees are still often heavily mutilated or completely destroyed for their bark.
An infusion of the leaf is drunk to treat stomach pains and cramps.
After flowering, the green cup shaped bracts that held the flowers become hard and brown and remain on the tree for many months. They are quite attractive and are used like dried flowers for decorations.
In the Garden:
This is a versatile ornamental tree that will flourish in most parts of South Africa. It is fast growing and low maintenance, and because it has non-invasive roots and can be pruned to keep it even smaller, even growing well in a large pot, it is the perfect tree for small townhouse gardens and complexes.
This tree is tough enough to survive as a street tree and is ideal for office parks and car parks. It also serves as a good sidewalk subject.
It is an excellent specimen tree on a lawn, and is great in the back of a large border. The pompom tree is also an excellent substitute for the exotic Lagerstroemia indica (Pride of India), providing a similar display of flowers.
Last, but not least, it is essential for wildlife gardens as it provides valuable nesting sites for birds and will attract butterflies, honeybees and many other insects to your garden.
Cultivation/Propagation:
The pompom tree will grow easily in most parts of South Africa, thriving in full sun, or light shade. It is semi-deciduous to deciduous; in mild climates it only loses its leaves for a very short period at the end of winter, but in the cold parts of the country it is completely deciduous.
It can be trained with a single or multi-stems, and if a very bushy tree is required the leader stem can be removed when the trees are still young and have reached the desired height. It grows very quickly, reaching maturity in 4 to 5 years, and will begin flowering as early as the second year after planting.
The pompon tree thrives in the warmer areas of the country and does well in areas with cool and dry winters, as well as in the winter rainfall regions. In extremely hot regions it can struggle a bit.
Inland, it will survive fairly severe frost and temperatures as low as -12°C. Plant in a sheltered position, and cover the plants for the first few winters.
Although the pompon tree is wind resistant, it will look at its best if planted in a sheltered position, as strong coastal, or freezing cold winds can decimate the flowers.
The pompom tree will adapt to most fertile and well-drained garden soils and will even grow in slightly saline (salty) soils. For best results in the garden, prepare a large planting hole about 1m deep and wide, and plant in well-drained soil, adding plenty of compost and an organic fertiliser. Add a stake at planting time, if required.
Water young trees regularly until they are established, and especially during long hot, dry, or windy spells. Once established, the tree is fairly drought resistant. Mulch thickly with compost to keep the roots cool and to retain moisture, and feed with balanced organic fertiliser for flowering plants every 6 to 8 weeks through summer.
The flowers are produced on the previous year's growth so any pruning must be done immediately after flowering.
This tree does not take well to being transplanted, and once established, the roots must not be disturbed, so select your planting site carefully.
The pompon tree is very easy to grow from seed, and under good conditions it will seed itself all over the garden. Seed is usually sown in spring or early summer into trays filled with a well-drained growing medium of river sand and compost. Cover the seed lightly with fine milled bark or sand, and mist spray the soil until it is moist before placing the trays in a sheltered, shady position. Keep the soil moist but not soggy until germination occurs. To improve the germination, treat the seed with a fungicide that prevents damping off. The young seedling can be potted up as soon as they are big enough to handle.
Semi-hardwood cuttings can also be taken in summer.
Problems, Pests & Diseases:
Although the pompom tree is seldom attacked by any serious pests, the trees are susceptible to pink disease, caused by the bacteria Corticium salmonicolor that produces stem canker. This can be diagnosed by branch and stem die-back, the most obvious signs being gum exudation, extreme cracking and peeling of the bark, and abundant pink growths.
Erythricium salmonicolor is found in a wide range of tropical, woody crops, and has been found on many indigenous tree species in South Africa. During an investigation of diseases of Podocarpus henkellii and Podocarpus latifolius in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, typical symptoms of pink disease were observed on the branches of these trees. Stem and branch cankers covered with cracked bark and abundant pink mycelial growth were common on the affected trees. In subsequent surveys, the disease was also found on native Dais cotonifolia in the same area, as well as on native Ekebergia capensis and Maesa lanceolata in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
In the garden, pink disease can often be successfully controlled by removing and destroying the infected branches, and treating the wound with copper-based fungicides.
Click here to see Google images of Pink Disease
Warning:
Dias cotinifolia was not found on any toxic plant lists, but we always advise that small children be supervised in a garden, and pets discouraged from chewing on plants.