August
Smithfield Rose
Picture courtesy www.ludwigsroses.co.zaThis eco-chic hybrid tea rose is amazing in performance and flower power.
The firm-petalled blooms are a glowing blend of bright orange, apricot-peach and yellow.
The rugged bush grows to hip height and is nicely rounded in shape.
Lantana camera
Boat Orchid - Cymbidium
Common Myrtle, True Myrtle - Myrtus communis
See under Medium-sized Plants
How to make white oil for an insecticide
Bearded Irises - Iris
Iris Bearded 'Bewilderbeast'Condensed Version:
Bearded irises have played a starring role in cultivation for so long that the origins of this enchanting perennial are shrouded in the mists of time. All of the ancestors of the bearded iris originate from central, southern and Eastern Europe; and the Near East; and most taxonomic botanists believe that modern bearded irises are the result of interbreeding among about fourteen wild iris species. Irises remain one of the most reliable of the flowering perennials, flourishing in gardens and botanical gardens around the world and gardeners can rest assured, that if grown correctly, bearded irises will put on a spectacular show in their gardens from early spring; with re-blooming varieties continuing through summer.
Irises come in amazing array of colours to suit every gardener’s taste; such as blue and purple, white and yellow, pink and orange, brown, and even black. Several of them also have a beautiful sweet scent, and many older folk will remember that the earliest iris hybrids were highly scented. A small selection of plants or tubers is usually held by garden centres at appropriate times during the season, but there are thousands of cultivars available from specialist suppliers. Bearded irises are stately, elegant plants, no matter whether they are short, medium or tall growing varieties, and will add spectacular colour to flower borders. They also provide excellent accent and contrast to garden beds with their fans of sculptured, sword-shaped, bluish green leaves, standing stiffly upright or curving gracefully at their tips.
Bearded irises are not at all difficult to grow and are great for beginner gardeners. They grow throughout South Africa, but are not well suited to the humid coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal and the Lowveld. They thrive in regions with high summer rainfall like the Kwa-Zulu Natal mist belt, and grow well on the Highveld, with a cold spell below zero setting their clocks for flowering in spring. In arid regions of the country they need year round watering, and in the winter rainfall regions they must be watered well in summer. Irises can be planted throughout the year and come into full bloom during spring and early summer - from August onwards. Generally they rest during the heat of midsummer and re-bloomers will have another flush of blooms in late summer. New improved hybrids are continually being bred for their re-blooming qualities; and in warmer climates some cultivars will bloom almost all season long.
Irises are quite tolerant of less-than-perfect soils, but most importantly, they require good garden soil that drains well; water should never stand in the beds. Good air circulation is also essential around the plants and their roots. The plants flower best in full sun; but will grow in light shade +-5 to 6 hour’s direct sunlight. The flowers need protection from strong winds and some afternoon shade is beneficial in extremely hot climates.
Bearded Iris 'Night Magic' It is a common mistake to plant Irises too deeply, so plant your rhizomes at or just barely below the surface of the ground, ensuring that the tops of the rhizomes are visible and the roots are spread out facing downwards in the soil. However, in extremely hot climates or in very light soils, the rhizomes can be covered lightly with one or two centimetres of soil. They are generally planted +- 60cm apart, but can be spaced at 20cm if you need a more instant effect. Apply a thin layer of compost and a dusting of bone meal around the base of the plants each spring, this should suffice and give you beautiful blooms without any further feeding; but feeding in late summer and early spring with a balanced fertiliser high in potassium won’t do any harm. A common mistake gardeners make is to overwater their Irises; once established they are extremely water-wise and will only require watering when the top three inches of soil dries out. Less frequent deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering.
The rhizomes grow along the surface of the soil, sending leaf fans upwards and roots downwards from their growing end. During the heat of summer they become hardened, protecting them from pests and diseases; and they generally take a rest, with growth resuming again in late summer and autumn before the leaves die down completely and the plant enters a completely dormant state for winter. Remove limp or dead leaves and any other litter regularly; as well as the stems of spent blooms. In autumn, trim away dead foliage and prune back healthy leaves to a height of 4 to 5 inches; and in cold regions apply a layer of mulch over the soil to help protect the roots from freezing temperatures. In extremely cold regions the roots of the plants often heave out of the soil due to alternate freezing and thawing. If heaving occurs, don't try to force the plants back into the soil; rather cover both the rhizomes and the exposed roots with soil, straw, newspaper, or any organic material. Divide bearded irises every 4 to 5 years, preferably in late summer (April); or at least four to six weeks before the first frosts arrive. However, if not done at this time, and provided you take good care of them, they can also be divided in spring. Dig out the clumps and discard the old divisions in the centre of the clump; these sections have very few white feeding roots. Select only large new fans with leaves to replant.
Bearded Iris 'Color me Blue'Full Version:
Description, History & Interesting Facts:
The bearded iris belongs to the family Iridaceae, which has about 325 species and 50,000 registered varieties. It remains one of the most beautiful of the flowering perennials; and all of the ancestors of the bearded iris originate from central, southern and Eastern Europe; and the Near East. Their habitat is very diverse, with the majority of species growing in temperate Northern climates; some in deserts; some in swamps; a few in the cold far north; growing on grassy slopes, in meadowlands and along riverbanks. It is most likely that the plant was named after the Greek goddess Iris (iris being the Greek word for ‘rainbow'). In Greek mythology, and particularly in the Iliad (an epic poem attributed to Homer) Iris was a divine messenger who rode rainbows between heaven and earth, and according to legend, an iris grew wherever the footsteps of the goddess touched the earth; giving rise to one of the common names used for irises ‘flower of the rainbow.
Bearded irises have played a starring role in cultivation for so long that the origins of this perennial are shrouded in the mists of time; and it is believed that most of the crosses took place naturally due to the close proximity of the plants, and it's possible that early plants-men were breeding irises many centuries ago by selecting desirable irises from crosses made naturally by bees. Irises were not only cultivated for their great beauty, but also for their medicinal, culinary and cosmetic properties; and a depiction of an Iris can be found on the walls of an Egyptian temple that dates back as far as 1500 BC. Apparently the spread of irises can be attributed in part to the soldiers of the Ottoman Empire. The soldiers used to carry iris rhizomes with them for medicinal purposes, and because it was believed that the sword-like leaves of the iris would drive away evil spirits, whenever a comrade died an iris rhizome would be planted on his grave.
Most taxonomic botanists believe that modern bearded irises are the result of interbreeding among about fourteen wild iris species, and since the variations in size increased with these breeding’s, bearded irises have been split into six different groups, based on plant size and growth habit. Bearded irises are stately, elegant plants, no matter whether they are short, medium or tall growing varieties, and will add spectacular colour to flower borders. They also provide excellent accent and contrast to garden beds with their fans of sculptured, sword-shaped, bluish green leaves, standing stiffly upright or curving gracefully at their tips. In some varieties the leaves have a surprising and attractive purplish red tinge at the base.
Irises come in amazing array of colours to suit every gardener’s taste; such as blue and purple, white and yellow, pink and orange, brown, and even black. Several of them also have a beautiful sweet scent, and many older folk will remember that the earliest iris hybrids were highly scented. Because Iris was the Greek goddess for the messenger of love, her sacred flower has long been considered the symbol of communication and messages; so a gift of an Iris can be used to convey many emotions, based on their colours. For example a purple iris is symbolic of wisdom and compliments, blue symbolizes faith and hope, yellow symbolizes passion, and white symbolizes purity. Irises can be planted throughout the year and come into full bloom during spring and early summer, from August onwards. Generally they rest during the heat of midsummer and re-bloomers will have another flush of blooms in late summer and autumn. Modern hybrids are continually being bred for their re-blooming capabilities, resulting in varieties which will bloom almost all season.
Bearded Iris 'Art Deco'Uses:
At one time the roots or rhizomes of the iris became popular in the field of Western herbal medicine and were used for all sorts of ailments and complaints, but they are now used mainly as a fixative and a base for perfumery and, believe it or not, in the making of many brands of gin. The powdered root is called ‘orris root’ and is added to potpourris to fix the fragrance.
To make an essential oil the root has to be dried and aged first, which can take up to five years. It is then ground to powder, dissolved in water and distilled. In order to produce two kilograms of essential oil you require one ton of iris root.
Make your own perfume:
Iris root has a delicate fragrance and for many centuries was made into perfume by the Romans, Greeks and Italians. You can try your hand at making your own perfume at home, either with orris root powder bought from a chemist, or from rhizomes you have spare from your garden.
Add 60 grams freshly chopped iris root or 30 grams orris root powder to 100ml of vodka. Add essential oils or fresh herbs of your choice before sealing the bottle and letting it infuse for about two weeks; shake the bottle daily. If after two weeks the fragrance is not strong enough for your liking, the old herbs can be strained out and fresh ones added and allowed to infuse further. Once the perfume is to your liking, strain and decant into a pretty bottle.
Bearded Iris 'Armageddon'Culinary:
Iris root is referred to as ‘orris' root, particularly where herbal concoctions and fine cuisine are involved. It is one of the ingredients in ‘ras el hanout’, a complex blend of herbs and spices primarily associated with Moroccan cuisine, but also used across the Middle East and Northern Africa. Ras el hanout recipes include cardamom, nutmeg, anise, mace, cinnamon, ginger, various peppers, and turmeric, but 30 or more ingredients might be used. The spices are typically prepared by grinding together whole spices, dried roots and leaves.
In the Garden:
Irises are beloved ornamental plants in gardens and botanical gardens around the world. In the United Stated of America the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens in New Jersey, is a living iris museum with over 10,000 plants, while in Europe the most famous iris garden is arguably the Giardino dell'Iris in Florence, Italy;
which hosts a world famous iris breeders' competition annually. Irises, especially the multitude of bearded types, also feature regularly in shows such as the Chelsea Flower Show. Gardeners can rest assured, that if grown correctly, bearded irises will put on a spectacular show in their gardens from early spring; and re-blooming varieties, continuing through summer. When different varieties are planted together they make a most spectacular display; and the grey-green colour of the sword shaped leaves will add valuable accent and contrast to a flowering border. A small selection of plants or tubers is usually held by garden centres at appropriate times during the season, but there are thousands of cultivars available from specialist suppliers.
Bearded Iris 'Mesmerizer'Cultivation
Bearded irises are not at all difficult to grow and are great for beginner gardeners. They grow throughout South Africa, but are not well suited to the humid coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal and the Lowveld. They thrive in regions with high summer rainfall like the Kwa-Zulu Natal mist belt, and grow well on the Highveld, with a cold spell below zero setting their clocks for flowering in spring. In arid regions of the country they need year round watering, and in the winter rainfall regions must be watered well in summer. Irises can be planted throughout the year and come into full bloom during spring and early summer - from August onwards. Generally they rest during the heat of midsummer and re-bloomers will have another flush of blooms in late summer. New improved hybrids are continually being bred for their re-blooming qualities; and in warmer climates some cultivars will bloom almost all season long.
Although they are easy to grow, irises do however have a few simple but important requirements. They will adapt to most garden soils, but most importantly, they require soil that drains well, and water should never stand in the beds. If you have heavy or clay soil, adding humus, compost, or other organic material will improve drainage; gypsum is an excellent soil conditioner that can improve most clay soils. A raised bed or planting on a slope are also ideal to plant irises in these conditions. Good air circulation is also essential around the plants and their roots. Prepare your beds well before planting by digging them over thoroughly and incorporating some compost and bone meal. The ideal pH for irises is 6.8 (slightly acidic) but they are quite tolerant of less-than-perfect soils. The plants also flower best in full sun; but will grow in light shade +-5 to 6 hour’s direct sunlight. The flowers need protection from strong winds and some afternoon shade is beneficial in extremely hot climates.
It is a common mistake to plant Irises too deeply, so plant your rhizomes at or just barely below the surface of the ground, ensuring that the tops of the rhizomes are visible and the roots are spread out facing downwards in the soil. However, in extremely hot climates or in very light soils, the rhizomes can be covered lightly with one or two centimetres of soil. Tamp the soil down firmly to anchor the new rhizomes and water well until established. Irises are generally planted +- 60cm apart, but can be spaced at 20cm if you need a more instant effect; but be patient because perennials require time to grow. New growth may be noticeable within 2 to 3 weeks, beginning with a new central leaf in the fan. Depending on the time of planting, the maturity of the rhizome, and geographical location, there may or may not be blooms the first spring after planting.
Apply a thin layer of compost and a dusting of bone meal around the base of the plants each spring, leaving the rhizome exposed. This should suffice and give you beautiful blooms without any further feeding; but feeding in late summer and early spring with a balanced fertiliser high in potassium won’t do any harm. Place fertilizer around the rhizomes, not directly on them, and water thoroughly afterwards. Feeding too often with a fertiliser high in nitrogen will encourage prolific leaf growth at the expense of the blooms, as well as increasing the risk of root rot.
The rhizome, or swollen stem, is where the plant stores nutrients and moisture, enabling it to survive a certain amount of stress. These grow along the surface of the soil, sending leaf fans upwards and roots downwards from their growing end. During the heat of summer the rhizomes become hardened, protecting them from pests and diseases; and they generally take a rest, with growth resuming again in late summer and autumn before the leaves die down completely and the plant enters a completely dormant state for winter.
Because the feeding roots of Irises are very close to the surface of the soil, it is essential that you do not allow neighbouring plants or weeds to encroach on their growing space. They also require sunlight right down to the rhizomes at root level; so remove limp or dead leaves and any other litter regularly. Remove the stems of spent blooms by cutting them off at ground level. Try to do this on a dry sunny day if you can so the wounds can heal quickly, thus minimising the danger of rot.
A common mistake gardeners make is to overwater their Irises; once established they are extremely water-wise and will only require watering when the top three inches of soil dries out. The watering frequency will depend to a great extent on your environment. After planting, water well and continue watering until the first good rain. If lack of rain persists, watering should be deep enough to penetrate the shallow root system. Less frequent deep watering is better than frequent shallow watering. Long periods of wet weather can soften and weaken the rhizome, allowing pests and diseases entry. The waxy coated leaves express the overall well-being of the plant, with healthy leaves having a bluish tinge and growing vigorously from the middle of each fan.
Break out all the bloom-stalks as soon as the flowering season is over to prevent contamination of your named varieties by chance bee crosses. If crossed seed ripens unnoticed and germinates, the new plants will not be true to the parent plant and are very often unattractive. So breaking out bloom-stalks right away is a good garden practice. This will also encourage a second bloom on re-blooming varieties. In autumn, trim away dead foliage and prune back healthy leaves to a height of 4 to 5 inches; and in cold regions apply a layer of mulch over the soil to help protect the roots from freezing temperatures. In extremely cold regions the roots of the plants often heave out of the soil due to alternate freezing and thawing. If heaving occurs, don't try to force the plants back into the soil; rather cover both the rhizomes and the exposed roots with soil, straw, newspaper, or any organic material. This can be held down with pegged chicken wire if necessary.
Bearded Iris' Brides Maid'Propagation:
Divide bearded irises every 4 to 5 years, preferably in late summer (April); or at least four to six weeks before the first frosts arrive. However, if not done at this time, and provided you take good care of them, they can also be divided in spring. Dig out the clumps and discard the old divisions in the centre of the clump; these sections have very few white feeding roots. Select only large new fans with leaves to replant.
Problems, Pests & Diseases:
Irises’ susceptibility to various pests and diseases often depends on your geographic location and many diseases may or may not affect your irises. During the heat of summer the rhizomes become hardened, making it difficult for pests and diseases to gain entry. However, long periods of wet weather can soften and weaken the rhizome, providing slugs and snails a hearty meal; and increasing the chances of fungal diseases. Keeping your garden clean from debris goes a long way toward avoiding the conditions mentioned above. This, together with well-drained soil, and the right amounts of food and water, will go a long way to preventing pests, as well as diseases like Bacterial Leaf Blight, Fungal Leaf Spot, Bacterial Soft Rot and Fungal Crown Rot.
Caution:
Members of the Iridaceae family are toxic to dogs and cats, causing salivation, vomiting, drooling, lethargy and diarrhoea. It is mainly the rhizomes that are toxic, so it is unlikely that cats would dig them out, but if your dog does, and ingests them, it would be advisable to contact your local veterinarian. Thankfully, iris toxicity is generally considered mild to moderate, and short-lived.
Keurboom, Blossom Tree - Virgilia oroboides
Virgilia oroboidesCondensed Version:
Two popular species of the Keurboom; Virgilia divaricata and Virgillia oroboides are very similar and often confused with each other. Both species are small to medium sized trees with lovely feathery leaves and a rounded to broadly conical growth habit; branching close to the ground. They are very fast growing when young, reaching their full height in only a few years. V. divaricata grows from 6 to 10m in height, rarely exceeding 10m; while V. oroboides can reach 10 to 15m tall. When the trees are young the bark is smooth and a silver-grey, but with maturity it becomes grey and rough.
Both trees produce dense terminal sprays of sweetly scented pea shaped flowers; and can flower sporadically out of season. V. divaricata has violet-pink flowers with dark purple tips and its main flowering season is in spring and early summer; while the blooms of V. oroboides are pinkish-white to white and generally appear in mid to late summer. The flowers are rich in nectar; attracting many insects and birds; and long flat brown seed pods containing follow the flowers. The leaflets of V. oroboides are greyish green in colour and both the leaves and the twigs are densely covered in conspicuous rust-coloured, velvety hairs, whereas those of V. divaricata are green and almost hairless.
The popular Keurboom will provide light shade and looks spectacular wherever it is planted, being suitable for both small and large gardens; in smaller gardens plant Virgilia divaricata because its growth is more compact and it is amazingly beautiful when in full flower.
Although the Keurboom thrives in the winter rainfall regions it can be grown inland if it is watered well in the dry winter months. While mature trees can survive short spells of light frost, young trees must be protected for the first few years. The trees will grow equally well in full sun or semi shade and are adaptable to most light, well drained soils. Although it is able to withstand moderate drought once established, the trees grow best if watered well when young and during prolonged dry spells.
Virgillia divericataFull Version:
Description, History & Interesting Facts:
The Keurboom is a beautiful evergreen indigenous flowering tree which belongs to the pea and bean family (Fabaceae) and grows wild in a small, narrow strip along our south-eastern coastline. Two popular species; Virgilia divaricata and Virgillia oroboides are very similar and often confused with each other. Both are commonly found growing alongside streams and river banks; on forest margins, in thickets and on hillsides. Virgilia oroboides occurs below 1 200m along the coast from the Cape Peninsula to George. V. divaricata is also found below 1 200m, but from the Klein Swartberg Mountains to George, and to Van Staden's Pass near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. It is abundant in the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay area, and especially along the Keurbooms River, which takes its name from this tree.
Both species are small to medium sized trees with lovely feathery leaves and a rounded to broadly conical growth habit; and branching close to the ground. They are very fast growing when young, reaching their full height in only a few years. V. divaricata grows from 6 to 10m in height, rarely exceeding 10m; while V. oroboides can reach 10 to 15m tall. Because they grow so quickly; they are relatively short lived, with an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. When the trees are young the bark is smooth and a silver-grey, but with maturity it becomes grey and rough, with a trunk diameter of about to 60cm.
Both trees produce dense terminal sprays of sweetly scented pea shaped flowers; and can flower sporadically out of season. V. divaricata has pinkish-mauve to violet-pink flowers with dark purple tips and its main flowering season is in spring and early summer (August to November); while the blooms of V. oroboides are pale pink or pinkish-white to white and generally appear in mid to late summer (January to April); but trees growing near George have rose-violet or purple-violet flowers which generally appear in spring.
The flowers are rich in nectar; attracting many insects and birds, such as sunbirds, carpenter bees, honey bees and ants. Doves and white-eyes love to nest in the branches, and in the forests the large handsome ghost moth (Leto venus) lays its eggs at the foot of the Keurboom so that the hatching caterpillars can bore into the wood. The Blue Butterfly or Lucerne Blue (Lampides boeticus) is also known to breed on Keurboom trees, as well as Lucerne. Long flat brown seed pods containing up to 11 seeds follow the flowers; and these are often foraged by livestock and poultry.
Because Keurboom species are so similar it can lead to confusion between; and they are differentiated from each other by their leaves. The leaflets of V. oroboides are greyish green in colour and both the leaves and the twigs are densely covered in conspicuous rust-coloured, velvety hairs, whereas those of V. divaricata are green and almost hairless. Many horticulturalists still disagree as to whether Virgilia is one variable species or two separate species. At present they are regarded as two separate species; with V. oroboides being divided into two subspecies. The tree growing in the George district with its rose-violet-flowers and rust-coloured hairs on the leaves and twigs being classified as V. oroboides subsp. ferruginea; and the pale, pink-flowered plant with white hairs on the leaves and twigs that occurs from the Cape Peninsula to Swellendam being V. oroboides subsp. oroboides.
Uses:
In earlier times the wood was very much in demand and used to make furniture as well as yokes, spars, wagon-bed planks and rafters. The transparent gum that exudes from the bark was also used as a substitute for starch.
In the Garden:
Keurboom trees were cultivated in England as long ago as 1767 and are also grown in Australia and in the USA today, where they are also known as Tree-in-a-hurry or Cape lilac. A Keurboom is the perfect tree for a new, bare garden because it grows so fast it will take only two or three years before it will be creating shade, or a screen, and filtering the wind—which is an important consideration in Cape Town suburbs. It is also a perfect pioneer species for woodland development where it is planted with slower growing species like milkwoods, providing shade and wind protection for more tender plants. Because it sheds small branches and leaves regularly, it also provides valuable mulch for the soil.The popular Keurboom will provide light shade and looks spectacular wherever it is planted, being suitable for both small and large gardens; in smaller gardens plant Virgilia divaricata because its growth is more compact and it is amazingly beautiful when in full flower. The Keurboom is a wonderful street tree and is often used in office parks and parking lots, or other built up areas where a fast growing shade tree is required. Because it branches low down it makes an ideal screening plant and windbreak.
Cultivation:
Although the Keurboom thrives in the winter rainfall regions it can be grown inland if it is watered well in the dry winter months. While mature trees can survive short spells of light frost, young trees must be protected for the first few years.
The trees will grow equally well in full sun or semi shade and are adaptable to most light, well drained soils. Although the Keurboom is able to withstand moderate drought once established, the trees grow best if watered well when young and during prolonged dry spells.
Propagation:
Virgilia is easily propagated from seed sown in spring or autumn; but because the seed coat is hard it requires some stimulation to initiate germination. Seeds can be soaked in hot water before sowing, or the seed coat can be cracked artificially. They also respond to stimulation by fire and can be treated with the Kirstenbosch Instant Smoke Plus Seed Primer. Sow in soil which drains well and at a depth of 0.5 to 1cm. Seed can also be sown directly into the ground and because they are highly fertile, can remain alive for up to 30 years. Seedlings can be transplanted after the first true leaves.
White Ironwood, Witysterhout, Muruvula, Muhondwa, umZane, Umdlebe, Umngamazele, umOzana, Isutha - Vepris lanceolata
Condensed Version:
Vepris lanceolata
The white ironwood is a truly beautiful evergreen tree or shrub. It varies greatly in height, depending on climate, and rainfall. Naturally in more exposed coastal and arid regions it remains stunted, growing +-5m tall; while in forested areas it may reach up to 20m. The narrowly elliptic leaves are densely covered with gland-dots and have a lemony scent when crushed. The white ironwood flowers from December to March, but the small greenish-yellow, star-shaped flowers are inconspicuous. Male and female flowers are borne on different trees. The small 5mm fruit ripens from May to July, turning black when ripe; and is also covered with gland-dots and has the same lemony scent as the leaves.
The ironwood is one of the best choices for small gardens as it does not have a very aggressive root system; grows well in containers; and responds well to pruning, so can be kept to any size.
The ironwood does extremely well in coastal gardens and is wind tolerant. It is easy to grow in full sun or semi-shade; and is semi-hardy to frost if planted in a sheltered position away from freezing winter winds, and is covered for the first couple of winters. Although it is water-wise and tolerates drought in its natural habitat, it will not flourish in very arid regions of the country. It adapts to most well-drained garden soils, but when planting, be sure to incorporate lots of compost to the planting hole and a generous amount of bone meal to give your plant a good start. Mulch well and water regularly for the first year or two for a quick growing, strong young tree.
Full Version:
Description, History & Interesting Facts:
The lovely white ironwood belongs to the Rutaceae family which includes rue, buchu and the citrus family; with the most noteworthy member of this family being the (Agathosma species) or Buchus, as they are better known. The Ironwood is a truly beautiful tree or shrub which grows wild all along the coastline from the Western Cape through to the Eastern Cape and into Kwazulu-Natal, occurring in dune, riverine and low-lying forests. It can also be found in the woodland and escarpment forests of Mpumalanga, Limpopo, northern Gauteng, and the north-eastern section of the North-West Province. It also grows in tropical Africa as far as Kenya and on the islands of Mauritius and Réunion.
This evergreen plant varies greatly in height, depending on climate, and rainfall. Naturally in more exposed coastal and arid regions it remains stunted, growing +-5m tall; while in forested areas it may reach up to 20m. The narrowly elliptic leaves are densely covered with gland-dots and have a lemony scent when crushed; which is a characteristic of the Rutaceae family.
It flowers from December to March, but the small greenish-yellow, star-shaped flowers are inconspicuous. Male and female flowers are borne on different trees. The small 5mm fruit ripens from May to July, turning black when ripe; and is also covered with gland-dots and has the same lemony scent as the leaves.
The bark is smooth and grey to dark grey in colour and the wood is hard, heavy, strong, elastic and even-grained with a whitish to pale yellow colour.
Many birds like the Redwinged Starling and the Crested Barbet are attracted to the fruit; and caterpillars of the Swallowtail butterfly feed on the leaves. Reportedly porcupines eat the bark and are blamed for ring-barking the trees and ultimately causing their death.
Vepris lanceolata foliageUses:
Traditionally the leaves are burnt to dispel evil spirits; and the powdered roots are used to treat influenza and colic.
The wood is good for making wheel spokes, handles, roof beams, furniture, ornaments and turnery.
In the Garden:
The ironwood is one of the best choices for small gardens with its lovely shiny evergreen leaves which shimmer in even the slightest breeze, and their wonderful lemony scent when crushed.
It does not have a very aggressive root system; grows well in containers; and responds well to pruning, so can be kept to any size; doing well as a bonsai. If planted closely together and clipped regularly it can even be coaxed to form a lovely screen.
It can also be grown underneath the canopy of other trees in groves and wild or forest gardens. This water-wise plant provides light shade and is a valuable food source for birds in winter when food is scarce, and your plant will come alive at this time with feeding birds. It also attracts butterflies, bees and other insects to the garden.
Cultivation/Propagation
The ironwood does extremely well in coastal gardens and is wind tolerant. It is easy to grow in full sun or semi-shade; and is semi-hardy to frost if planted in a sheltered position away from freezing winter winds, and is covered for the first couple of winters.
Although it is water-wise and tolerates drought in its natural habitat, it will not flourish in very arid regions of the country. It adapts to most well-drained garden soils, but when planting, be sure to incorporate lots of compost to the planting hole and a generous amount of bone meal to give your plant a good start.
Mulch well and water regularly for the first year or two for a quick growing, strong young tree.
This tree grows moderately fast and does not have a very aggressive root system.
This tree grows easily from seed and the young plants transplant well.