Lavender Tree, Laventelboom, iNkunzi, masepha, thathasani, mudedede, inkhuzwa - Heteropyxis natalensis
Heteropyxis natalensis Condensed Version:
The lavender tree is a neat and well-shaped deciduous to semi-deciduous tree with a slender upright growth habit and a small rounded crown. The roots are non-invasive and the trees grows steadily to +- 5 to 10 metres tall and 4 to 5m wide; dependant on rainfall and climate.
The long, dark green glossy leaves have a subtle lavender scent when crushed, and are born on pendant branches. In spring the growth is flushed red and in autumn they provide good seasonal colour by turning yellow to russet-red, with the leaves persisting for most of winter before dropping. Anytime from December to March panicles of inconspicuous but sweetly fragrant cream to pale yellow flowers appear; followed by tiny dark-brown capsules, bearing numerous seeds. The single main stem is crooked; and the attractive bark is pale grey, often almost white, maturing to creamy-tan, with a contorted and flaky appearance.
This versatile and most attractive tree can be used almost anywhere but is particularly useful where space is limited, or in beds where sun-loving smaller plants can still grow happily underneath. Because it has non-invasive roots, and is a small to medium-sized tree, it is suitable for small gardens as well as large landscapes.
This low maintenance tree thrives in high and low rainfall regions, but the spring and autumn colours develop best in dry regions. Mature trees are hardy but young trees must be protected from frost for the first year or two. It is extremely water-wise and will tolerate drought for up to six months once established. Although it prefers full sun, it will also grow well in light shade. This tree grows moderately fast (about 1m per year); for fastest growth, plant in good well-drained soil and water moderately during dry spells. Feed in spring with a balanced organic fertiliser, and mulch with compost.
Heteropyxis natalensisFull Version:
Description, History & Interesting Facts:
The lavender tree family is very small with only three species native to Southern Africa: Heteropyxis canescens; Heteropyxis dehniae and Heteropyxis natalensis. Heteropyxis natalensis is the most well-known and occurs naturally on the coastal and inland regions of KwaZulu-Natal; and also in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Swaziland and Zimbabwe; where it is commonly found growing at forest margins, on rocky outcrops and hillsides, and termite mounds.
It is a neat and well-shaped deciduous to semi-deciduous tree with a slender upright growth habit and a small rounded crown. The roots are non-invasive and the trees grows steadily to +- 5 to 10 metres tall and 4 to 5m wide; dependant on rainfall and climate. The long, dark green glossy leaves have a subtle lavender scent when crushed, and are born on pendant branches.
In spring the growth is flushed red and in autumn they provide good seasonal colour by turning yellow to russet-red, with the leaves persisting for most of winter before dropping. Anytime from December to March panicles of inconspicuous but sweetly fragrant cream to pale yellow flowers appear; followed by tiny dark-brown capsules, bearing numerous seeds, in March and May.
The single main stem is crooked; and the attractive bark is pale grey, often almost white, maturing to creamy-tan, with a contorted and flaky appearance. The wood is hard; very fine grained and a pale pinkish brown in colour.
Uses:
The dried leaves are used in herbal tea, potpourri, and to scent tobacco. Because the wood is exceptionally hard, it is ideal for use as fencing posts and to make charcoal.
Traditional healers prescribe inhaling the steam from a decoction of the roots to heal a bleeding nose; and the leaves and roots are used medicinally to treat worms in livestock.
Both the bark and leaves are browsed by kudu, grey-duiker and black rhino. Essential oil is extracted from the leaves of this tree and has considerable antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
In the Garden:
This versatile and most attractive tree can be used almost anywhere but is particularly useful where space is limited, or in beds where sun-loving smaller plants can still grow happily underneath. Its rich green summer leaves, beautiful yellow-red autumn colours, and attractive bark offers year-round interest and this indigenous tree should be utilised more often where a striking alternative is required for landscape projects.
Because it has non-invasive roots, and is a small to medium-sized tree, it is suitable for small gardens as well as large landscapes. Its tidy growth habit makes it ideal for planting in groups and groves, for boundary plantings, as well as a feature plant on its own.
It can also be planted in large containers and is a good choice for bonsai.
The flowers attract bees, wasps, butterflies and many birds; including the Whitebellied Sunbird, Fantailed Flycatcher and Blackheaded Oriole.
Cultivation:
This low maintenance tree thrives in high and low rainfall regions, but the spring and autumn colours develop best in dry regions. Mature trees are hardy but young trees must be protected from frost for the first year or two.
It is extremely water-wise and will tolerate drought for up to six months once established. Although it prefers full sun, it will also grow well in light shade.
This tree grows moderately fast (about 1m per year); for fastest growth, plant in good well-drained soil and water moderately during dry spells. Feed in spring with a balanced organic fertiliser, and mulch with compost.
Propagation:
Seeds germinate easily in well-drained moist soil and young plants are relatively quick growing. Sow in well-drained soil and cover the seed with a thin layer of compost. For speedy germination place the trays in a warm area.
This plant can also be propagated by cuttings, although the success rate using this method is very low. Fresh cuttings may be taken and rooted in pure sand; hormone will help promote rooting.
Gall wasps & citrus psylla
Gazania, Treasure Flower, Terracotta Gazania, Botterblom, ububendle, Ubendle - Gazania
Condensed Version
Gazania 'Giant Orange':
Gazanias are little rays of sunshine with their bright blooms, and stalwarts of the African summer garden. These herbaceous perennials are very adaptable and thrive in many habitats, tolerating salt laden air and strong winds.
There are a number of Gazania subspecies, cultivars, and hybrids available from garden centres, each with its own unique growth habit, with both trailing and clump forming varieties. Hybrids are available in a choice of colours ranging from bronze to red, orange, pink, yellow, cream and white. The large, satiny flowers can be of a single colour or in graded shades; and the bases of the petals often feature spots, dots or darker areas with distinctive contrasting stripes and mottling. In warm regions most varieties will produce flowers all summer, or year round, if planted in full sun.
The leaves of the Gazanias are alternately arranged and densely clustered along the stems. They are variable in appearance and shape; most commonly they are lance shaped but can also be spoon shaped. Some leaves are smooth edged and others are indented. Leaf colour varies from light to dark green although some varieties have grey leaves. The upper leaf surface is generally hairless but the underside is densely covered in fine white hairs.
Gazania rigens var. unifloraAlthough these fast growing, short-lived perennial plants grow best in the winter rainfall regions, flourishing in seaside gardens where they tolerate salt-laden air and strong winds; if they are planted in well-drained soil they will thrive in the summer rainfall regions.
They are often grown as summer annuals in severe frost regions of South Africa; but will tolerate moderate frost if they are planted in a warm, sheltered position in the garden; the roots are mulched in winter; the soil is well-drained; and the plants are kept fairly dry during very cold snaps.
It is essential that gazanias receive as much sun as possible because the blooms only open in the sunshine, closing at night. New varieties are being bred which are more tolerant of semi-shade and whose blooms open on overcast days.
Although they are drought hardy the plants respond well when watered judiciously during dry spells. Cut out the dead blooms frequently to encourage more flowers. Established plants can be planted out at any time of the year, and seeds are sown in spring, summer or autumn; in the winter rainfall regions the seeds are usually sown at the start of the rainy season.
(Gazania var rigens)
This gazania is not known in the wild, but only from cultivated plants and is a parent of many of the gazanias sold in garden centres today. It is a tender perennial that features decumbent stems that spread along the ground; and narrow but variably-shaped, silvery-green leaves. The flowers of this species are orange with orange-brown disks. Hybrid cultivars come in a great variety of colours, including shades of yellow, orange, bronze or white, often with contrasting colours at the bases, forming a ring around the central disk.
(Gazania krebsiana)
This gazania must be one of Namaqualand's most striking and well known perennial plants and is one of the parent plants for the many gazania hybrids that are offered in garden centres today. This gazania is extremely showy with its large brightly coloured flowers. The plants are semi-decumbent (a plant, which lies on the ground with tips turned upwards). Because of this growth habit they are referred to as tufted groundcovers; and when many individual plants growing together are in full bloom their flowers carpet the veldt in magnificent dark red to orange. This gazania has very distinctive foliage and mature leaves are usually compound and divided into small, narrow, regular lobes. They are rough to the touch, dark shiny green on the upper side and woolly white underneath.
Gazania krebsianaFull Version:
Description, History & Interesting Facts:
Gazanias are little rays of sunshine with their bright blooms and stalwarts of the African summer garden. They belong to one of the most economically important families, Asteraceae, which includes import food crops as well as garden favourites like Zinnias, Dahlias and Marigolds to name a few.
These herbaceous perennials have a very wide distribution range, mainly within the winter rainfall regions of South Africa; but can be found in virtually all the provinces, from Namaqualand in the west to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, extending into the Great Karoo, the Free State and some regions of Gauteng and the Lowveld.
They are very adaptable and thrive in many habitats, tolerating salt laden air and strong winds; and can be found growing along roadsides, in coastal dune vegetation, Fynbos, grasslands and bushveld, or exposed hills and stony ridges. They tolerate most soils, but grow exceptionally well in sandy soils.
There are a number of Gazania subspecies, cultivars, and hybrids available from garden centres, each with its own unique growth habit, with both trailing and clump forming varieties.
Hybrids are available in a choice of colours ranging from bronze to red, orange, pink, yellow, cream and white. The large, satiny flowers can be of a single colour or in graded shades; and the bases of the petals often feature spots, dots or darker areas with distinctive contrasting stripes and mottling. In warm regions most varieties will produce flowers all summer, or year round, if planted in full sun. The flowers are light sensitive and close in the evening and on cloudy days.
The Afrikaans common name botterblom (butter flower) owes its name to the fact that the ray florets are supposed to taste like butter when chewed. The English common name, terracotta gazania, refers to the terracotta colour of the flowers. A distinctive characteristic of gazanias is that the flowering stalks contain a milky sap.
The leaves of Gazanias are alternately arranged, densely clustered along the stems, and variable in appearance and shape. Most commonly they are lance shaped but can also be spoon shaped. Some leaves are smooth edged and others are indented. Leaf colour varies from light to dark green although some varieties have grey leaves. The upper surface is generally hairless but the underside of the leaf is densely covered in fine white hairs.
Gazania 'New Moon' After flowering, each flower head will produce many small fruits, each one equipped with silky hairs which enable them to be dispersed far and wide by the wind; and seeds can remain viable for a number of years.
Gazanias are pollinated by a number of insects with bees, bee flies, beetles, butterflies and ants visiting its bright flowers; the mature seeds are often carried away by ants into their underground tunnels. Monkey beetles are more or less endemic to the winter rainfall region of South Africa and are essentially pollen feeders, and many species are gregarious, congregating in flowers to feed and mate. Interestingly, the markings at the base of the petals of G. krebsiana show a striking resemblance to monkey beetles.
Gazania rigens have now been naturalised in Australia, New Zealand, the coastal Mediterranean countries and parts of America.
Trailing Gazania, Strandgazania, Rankbotterblom, ububendle, Ubendle (Gazania rigens)
This plant is not known in the wild but only from cultivated plants; and is a parent of many of the gazanias sold in garden centres today. It is a tender perennial that features decumbent stems that spread along the ground; and narrow but variably-shaped, silvery-green leaves. The flowers of this species are orange with orange-brown disks. Hybrid cultivars come in a great variety of colours, including shades of yellow, orange, bronze or white, often with contrasting colours at the bases forming a ring around the central disk. The blooms can appear all through summer and autumn, often to the first frost. The flowers close at night and on cloudy days. With its trailing stems, it is particularly useful in hanging baskets and containers, and makes a wonderful show in beds and borders.
(Gazania rigens var. leucolaena)
This gazania has a small distribution area along the Cape south coast from about Mossel Bay to Port Elizabeth, where it grows on sand dunes, often just above the high tide mark. It commonly grows together with Gazania rigens var. uniflora; and when in full bloom, the bright yellow flower heads are perfectly offset by the greyish white leaves, creating an attractive cheerful patch of colour.
Gazania rigens var uniflora Variegated(Gazania rigens var. uniflora)
This variety occurs from about Knysna in the Western Cape, all along the coast to the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland and also southern Mozambique. It is a low, spreading half-hardy perennial with large, bright yellow flower heads in summer. This tough, mat forming plant requires little maintenance and excellent for landscaping in harsh areas. It even withstands a fair amount of traffic and an excellent ground cover, is stunning massed in borders, and good for sandy coastal gardens.
Terracotta Gazania, Gousblom, Botterblom, Rooi Gazania (Gazania krebsiana)
This must be one of Namaqualand's most striking and well known perennial plants; and is a trademark of gardens and natural landscapes of this region. It is one of the parent plants for the many gazania hybrids that are offered in garden centres today and this wonderful water-wise plant thrives in gardens around the country, provided it is planted in a very sunny area and is not overwatered.
It has a very wide distribution range, and although it occurs mainly within the winter rainfall regions of South Africa, it also extends into the summer rainfall regions and can be found in virtually all the provinces of South Africa, from Namaqualand in the west to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal in the east; extending northwards into the drier interior regions of the Great Karoo and the Free State; and into some parts of Gauteng and the Lowveld.
These adaptable plants flourish in various habitats but are most commonly found growing along roadsides, on flats or lower slopes, exposed hills, rocky outcrops and stony ridges. To a lesser extent they may be found in grassy situations, in montane vegetation and in coastal dune vegetation which is commonly referred to as Strandveld. Associated vegetation types include Succulent Karoo, Nama Karoo, Fynbos, Dry Valley Bushveld and Grasslands. Plants seem to tolerate a number of soil types but have a noticeable preference for clay and sandy soil.
This is an extremely showy plant with its large brightly coloured flowers and long flowering period. The plants are semi-decumbent (a plant, which lies on the ground with tips turned upwards). Because of this growth habit they are referred to as tufted groundcovers; and when many individual plants growing together are in full bloom their flowers carpet the veldt in magnificent dark red to orange. Some refer to the colour as terracotta, hence the common name, terracotta gazania. The flowers have dark brown markings on the lower quarter of the petals and these markings may contain black or white spots, adding to their allure. The terracotta gazania flowers from August till January reaching a peak in October and November.
Gazania rigens 'White'This gazania has very distinctive foliage and mature leaves are usually compound and divided into small, narrow, regular lobes. They are rough to the touch, dark shiny green on the upper side and woolly white underneath. Individual plants reach about 150mm high and spread about 200mm across.
The root system is fairly weak and consists of a series of quite shallow adventitious roots. In nature it has to adapt extremely quickly to its environment in order to survive; and in the very dry summer months the plants shrivel and all that is visible are a few very dry leaves. Under these conditions the plants may look dead but in fact the plant is just minimising its exposure to the hot sun and saving water loss through its leaves. As soon the winter rains arrive this shallow spreading root system reacts immediately by putting on growth; making it an excellent pioneer plant. These perennials are relatively short lived, lasting about three years, depending on growing conditions.
Uses:
Wild and domesticated herbivores are very fond of Gazania krebsiana and other members of the genus, making them valuable for pastures, especially in the dry areas of the winter rainfall region where denuded, trampled patches occur in the veld. Although not endangered, in Namaqualand they have become heavily reduced due to unwise subsistence farming. Beside the fact that Gazania krebsiana is a palatable plant, no medicinal uses are recorded.
In the Garden:
Gazanias are tough little plants that require very little maintenance, and make fantastic garden plants, provided they are not overwatered and are planted in full sun. The best floral displays are achieved by planting in massed displays of a single variety as a groundcover or border; or by using several species of gazania together. The trailing varieties are particularly good in pots, hanging baskets and window boxes.
Evergreen groundcovers such as Gazanias can slow down a wild fire, and are renowned for their vigorous growth, making them an excellent groundcover to prevent soil erosion on slopes. Click here to read my articles on Firescaping your Property
Gazanias are essential in water-wise and low maintenance gardens and tolerate high pollution in cities.
Plants that compliment Gazanias well include: Trailing Daisy (Dimorphotheca); Renoster arctotis (Arctotis); Kingfisher Daisy (Felicia); Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa); Lobelia and Carpet Geranium (Geranium incanum).
Gazania splendens 'Pink'Cultivation:
These fast growing, short-lived perennial plants grow best in the winter rainfall regions, flourishing in seaside gardens where they tolerate salt-laden air and strong winds. If they are planted in well-drained soil they will also thrive in the summer rainfall regions. They are often grown as summer annuals in severe frost regions of South Africa but will tolerate moderate frost if they are planted in a warm, sheltered position in the garden; the roots are mulched in winter; the soil is well-drained; and the plants are kept fairly dry during very cold snaps. For best results in the garden, plant them in well-drained soil enriched with compost and water moderately during dry spells.
It is essential that gazanias receive as much sun as possible because the blooms only open in the sunshine, closing at night. New varieties are being bred which are more tolerant of semi-shade and whose blooms open on overcast days. Cut out the dead flowers frequently to encourage more flowers. Established plants can be planted out at any time of the year, but in the winter rainfall regions the seeds are usually sown at the start of the rainy season.
Propagation:
Perennials can be propagated by dividing them in early spring or autumn. Seeds can be sown in seed trays or well-prepared garden beds when the daytime temperatures are between 20 and 25°C. Cover the seeds with soil or vermiculite. They will take 7 to 14 days to germinate and will bloom about 12 to 16 weeks after sowing.
Pests & Diseases:
If grown correctly gazanias suffer from no serious insect or disease problems, but mealybugs are occasional visitors.
Overly moist soils which don’t drain well can lead to root and stem rot; also watch for leaf spot and powdery mildew.
Gazania, Treasure Flower, Terracotta Gazania, Botterblom, ububendle, Ubendle - Gazania
Gazania, Treasure Flower, Terracotta Gazania, Botterblom, ububendle, Ubendle - Gazania
Ponytail Palm, Elephant's Foot, Bottle Palm - Beaucarnea recurvata
PonytailCondensed Version:
Native to the semi-desert areas of south-eastern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, the pony tail palm is noted for its unusual beauty, having a large, swollen, often flask-shaped, water-retaining base (caudex) from which rises a trunk-like stem, bearing narrow, palm-like, spreading to recurved leaves that droop in fountain-like clusters from the branch ends. In young plants the trunks are usually single, but several smaller trunks as well as some sparse branching near the top may develop with age; and old plants may produce flower stalks consisting of clusters of small beige blossoms. This plant grows very slowly and old specimens can reach 10m tall with a base almost 4m in diameter; and there are no two specimens which look alike. Very young plants have a small swollen base with no trunk at all. The pony tail palm is an excellent specimen plant for dry frost-free regions and a somewhat curious landscaping plant which can be used in gardens, on patios and even indoors. Plant it as a single specimen or plant several in one pot for a more bushy effect. It also makes an interesting addition to rock gardens; goes well with an oriental or tropical theme and looks good around the swimming pool. It is an excellent houseplant, growing well on a sunny windowsill, or in very bright indirect light; if grown in pots it prefers to be slightly pot-bound.
This plant thrives in dry frost-free areas, but is hardy to −5 °C and even lower once established, as long as it is kept virtually dry in winter. In cold regions plant it in a pot which can be moved in winter; or plant it in a very sheltered position in the garden, away from freezing cold winds. Ponytail palms require full sun, but will grow in bright semi shade in the garden. It is vital that the soil drains very well; so if your soil is less than perfectly drained add some river sand to the potting soil or planting hole, to avoid overwatering and root rot. These plants store water in their swollen bases and should be watered moderately at all times. Potted specimens must never be allowed sit in water which collects in drip trays. Fading leaves may be peeled off, and brown leaf tips clipped off. To prevent nutritional deficiency in garden plants, apply a balanced fertiliser twice a year during the growing season. Feed potted plants fortnightly during summer with a liquid fertiliser.
Full Version:
Description, History & Interesting Facts:
The ponytail palm is an evergreen, thick-stemmed (caudiciform) tree that is known by several names like ‘elephant’s foot’ or ‘bottle palm’ because of its bulbous base and bottle-shaped trunk. It is native to the semi-desert areas of south-eastern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, with about 10 different species. There are 350 year old Beaucarneas registered in Mexico; and the Jardín Botánico Francisco Javier Clavijero Botanical Gardens showcases over 400 Beaucarneas in its gardens. Despite its common names, the pony tail is not really a palm and is currently included in the family Ruscaceae, but has also been included in Agavaceae, Nolinaceae, Dracaenaceae and Liliaceae families in the recent past. Its scientific name, Beaucarnea recurvata, honours Belgian horticulturist Jean-Baptiste Beaucarne, who was the first to collect flowers of this plant in the 19th century; and it quickly became popular in Europe and around the world as an ornamental plant. The leaves are made of tough, stringy fibres and were once used to make baskets and mats.
The pony tail palm is noted for its unusual beauty, having a large, swollen, often flask-shaped, water-retaining base (caudex) from which rises a trunk-like stem, bearing narrow, palm-like, spreading to recurved leaves that droop in fountain-like clusters from the branch ends. In young plants the trunks are usually single, but several smaller trunks as well as some sparse branching near the top may develop with age; and old plants may produce flower stalks consisting of clusters of small beige blossoms. This plant grows very slowly and old specimens can reach 10m tall with a base almost 4m in diameter; and there are no two specimens which look alike. Very young plants have a small swollen base with no trunk at all.
In the Garden:
The pony tail palm is an excellent specimen plant for dry frost-free regions and a somewhat curious landscaping plant which can be used in gardens, on patios and even indoors. Plant it as a single specimen or plant several in one pot for a more bushy effect. It also makes an interesting addition to rock gardens; goes well with an oriental or tropical theme and looks good around the swimming pool.
Indoors:
The pony tail palm makes an excellent houseplant, growing well on a sunny windowsill, or in very bright indirect light. It does well in air conditioned rooms, and in areas which experience severe frost it can be moved indoors in autumn to protect it from the cold. If grown in pots it prefers to be slightly pot-bound and grows well in smaller containers. Plant it in very well-drained soil and feed fortnightly during summer with a liquid fertiliser. Keep quite dry in winter.
Cultivation:
This plant thrives in dry frost-free areas, but is hardy to −5 °C and even lower once established, as long as it is kept fairly dry in winter. In cold regions plant it in a pot which can be moved indoors or to a sheltered patio in winter; or plant it in a very sheltered position in the garden, away from freezing cold winds. Ponytail palms require full sun, but will grow in bright semi shade in the garden. It is vital that the soil drains very well; so if your soil is less than perfectly drained add some river sand to the potting soil or planting hole, to avoid overwatering and root rot. These plants store water in their swollen bases and should be watered moderately at all times, especially in winter in cold regions; allow the soil to dry out between watering’s. Potted specimens must never be allowed to sit in water which collects in drip trays. If you are overwatering the new growth will be very light in colour; and on the other hand, dry brown foliage or a shrivelled stem are usually signs of under watering. Fading leaves may be peeled off, and brown leaf tips clipped off. To prevent nutritional deficiency in garden plants, apply a balanced fertiliser twice a year during the growing season.
Propagation:
Propagation of these plants is by seed sown in spring, with a minimum soil temperature of 20°C. The process is long and likely to prove tedious for the average gardener. In spring, you can remove the offsets that grow from the base of the plant and treat them with hormone powder before planting into small pots.
Pests & Diseases:
Generally, the ponytail is insect free, but on occasion may attract mealybugs, spider mites and scale. Potential disease problems include leaf spots, stem rots and bacterial leaf streak, but if grown correctly these should not become problems.
Toxicity:
This plant in non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.