Trees are used by wildlife for shade and shelter during times of extreme heat or heavy rainfall, and as safe nesting sites to raise their young, and many animals also use trees as places from which to hunt or capture prey. When the trees flower the blooms will attract a host of insect pollinators and nectar eating animals and birds. The insects, in turn, will attract birds and other wildlife which prey on them. Fruits are relished by a multitude of creatures large and small, and the seeds which follow will attract a whole new troop of seed-eaters.
Standing dead and dying trees, called “snags” have hollow trunks or branches which are invaluable in wildlife gardens, as birds, small mammals, and other wildlife use snags for roosting, nesting and raising their young, and also for foraging and as storage areas. Dead branches can also provide similar wildlife value. So if you have a mature tree that has snag-like features, unless it’s a danger in the garden, don’t just cut them out, you’ll be surprised how quickly they will be utilised.
The tree selection below is specifically for bringing colour and wildlife to your winter garden, and if you include beneficial trees and shrubs for each season, before you know it you will have created your very own little eco-system in the garden - a safe place for creatures great and small to find food and shelter.
In South Africa we are truly blessed with outstanding Indigenous Trees that are word renowned for their beauty, and thankfully more and more gardeners are planting them here at home. Let’s help reform and transform our suburbs into beautiful sustainable spaces where both humans and wildlife can thrive. We really can have a huge impact - one garden or suburb at a time.
I hope the short tree list below will inspire you to plant trees for Arbor Week to sustain wildlife next winter. In it you will find trees suitable for urban gardens and also a couple of large beauties, and not forgetting our gorgeous Tree Aloes and Proteas. I also encourage you to visit some local indigenous nurseries in your area for inspiration and good advice on what trees will do best in your growing region.
Trees are certainly not cheap anymore and gardeners are spending more time researching and planning their garden before purchasing anything. I have both indigenous and exotic trees in my Tree Section, and in my Articles Section you will find helpful articles and Tree Lists, so be sure to look there for more inspiration.
Not a member yet? Click here to sign-up or read more
Making your final selection may take some time and research, but rest assured it will be worth your time and effort.
Aloe barberae Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryTree Aloe, Boomaalwyn, ikhala, umgxwala, indlabendlazi, impondonndo, inkalane-enkulu (Aloe barberae)
The tree aloe is the tallest of the South African aloes and can reach 15 to 18m. It is found in a broad coastal band that is slightly inland; from East London in the Eastern Cape through KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland and Mpumalanga into southern and central Mozambique. Its habitat is subtropical coastal forests, kloofs, and well-drained river valleys, where the summer rainfall is at least 1 016 to 1 524 mm per annum, with little or no frost.
It is a striking sculptural plant that grows quickly and forms a neat, rounded crown of dark green leaves that can be over 1m long and are armed with small white teeth. It forms a stout trunk that can eventually grow over 2.5m in diameter and usually has a broad 'foot' at ground level.
The flowers generally appear in mid-winter (June and July) and vary in colour from orange to salmon pink, depending on the locality. The flowers are relatively small compared to the size of the leaves and are often hidden by them. They are pollinated by sunbirds and will also attract bees and other insects, which in turn will attract insect eating birds.
The fast growing tree aloe thrives in cultivation and is used for its architectural shape. It makes an excellent focal point in the garden and is great to plant in bold clumps in both gardens and office parks. It is wonderful in rock and pebble gardens and grows well in large pots. Site your aloes in a water-wise section of your garden together with other drought hardy plants, and where they are not irrigated with the rest of your garden.
The tree aloe has a shallow-spreading, non-aggressive root system, but enough space should be provided for its eventual size, especially its massive stem base. Therefore it should not be planted close to any buildings.
Members can click here to read more about the Tree Aloe
Aloe thraskii Dune Aloe, Strandaalwyn, Umhlaba, and Ikhala (Aloe thraskii)
In South Africa Aloe thraskii has a limited distribution along the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape coastlines, where it occurs from Mtunzini to Port St Johns, and because it occurs nowhere else in the world it is referred to as being “endemic” to these regions. It grows in large groups in dense coastal bush, on sand dunes from the beach margin to a few hundred metres inland, but no further than the top of the first sea-facing slope. Major habitats include: Maputaland Coastal Belt, Subtropical Dune Thicket, KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Belt Grassland, Pondoland-Ugu Sandstone Coastal Sourveld, and Subtropical Seashore Vegetation.
This magnificent aloe has been given tree status in South Africa, but sadly, in 2019 this species was assessed as Near Threatened in its natural habitat, largely due to habitat loss and degradation caused by coastal development in KwaZulu-Natal, where the transformation of the coast has caused many dune systems to become very fragile, and subsequently they are more easily damaged by severe storms. In spite of extensive habitat loss, recent observations indicate that Aloe thraskii is still common along the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, but populations are fragmented, and subpopulations tend to be small, usually consisting of less than 50 mature individuals. There are fewer records from the Eastern Cape coast south of the Umtamvuna River, as this area is much less accessible than further north. In South Africa, aloes, with only a very few exceptions, are protected plants and may not be collected from the veld without the necessary permit, and the permission of the landowner.
As its name implies, it is most useful for seaside plantings, and as the roots are very tenacious they help to stabilise the soil in seaside gardens, making this aloe perfect to plant on a hillside or slope, along with other succulent sand dune specialists like the Natal Sourfig (Carpobrotus dimidiatus). It can serve the same purpose in inland gardens.
In gardens and parks it makes a wonderful feature plant that is tall and robust, with enormous olive green leaves, whose margins are armed with reddish-brown teeth, and which are recurved back to the trunk, sometimes even touching the shaggy remains of old leaves cloaking the trunk. It generally grows about 2m tall with a single stem, but with maturity it can reach up to 4m with a width of up to 2m, producing 3 or 4 branched flowering stems with 15 to 25 erect, cylindrical flower heads. The large inflorescences of the dune aloe appear in winter (June and July) and are a striking yellow with orange anthers, and the lovely green tinged petal tips give the flowers a bicoloured look.
Owing to their moisture-retaining leaves that contain no flammable resins or oils, aloes can be utilised as gorgeous living firebreaks around the perimeter of your property, and in island beds for added fire resistance.
You may be interested in reading my articles on firescaping your property by clicking here.
The dune aloe is extensively cultivated in gardens and parks worldwide, where the climate is suitable for its growth, and is a sought-after collector’s item. It will not only add accent and interest to your garden, but will also attract nectar and insect eating birds. Plant it as a single specimen, or in large groups for a magnificent effect. The dune aloe also grows beautifully in large containers.
Members can click here to read more about the Dune Aloe
Aloe ferox Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryBitter Aloe, Bitteraalwyn, umhlaba, iKhala, iNhlaba, Umhlaba, Hlaba, Lekhala La Quthing (Aloe ferox)
Aloe ferox is indigenous to the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. It is also found in the south eastern corner of the Free State and southern Lesotho. Its large natural range of over 1 000 kilometres forms a near-continuous band across the southern Cape, from near Swellendam northwards along the eastern coast of South Africa through the Eastern Cape to the southern parts of KwaZulu-Natal. It occurs in a broad range of habitats, both in the open and in bushy areas, semi-arid plains, scrub, rocky mountain slopes, grassy fynbos, as well as on the edges of the Karoo. It commonly colonises rocky slopes in great numbers, where it creates a stunning display when in full bloom. Because its distribution range covers such a wide variety of habitats, Aloe ferox has become a variable species, resulting in marked physical differences, as well as variations in the flowering time of this species.
In its wild habitat, or in frost-free gardens, the bitter aloe can, with maturity, attain a great size and has been granted tree status in South Africa. It produces a single, tall, upright, unbranched woody stem, varying in height from 1.8 to 5m in mature specimens. The woody stem is crowned with long, thick and fleshy, green to greyish-green leaves arranged in a rosette. The leaf surfaces of young plants are covered in spines, but as the plant grows taller and less vulnerable to grazing, the leaves begin to lose most of their spines, except for those along the leaf margins. Old, dried leaves invariably persist on the stem, clothing it with a dense brown “petticoat” which rattles in the wind.
The flowers are carried in a large candelabra-like flower-head, branched into 5 to 12 erect racemes, each carrying hundreds of tubular flowers which stand anything from 60cm to 1.2m above the leaves. The individual flowers are about 2.5cm long and densely packed in thick brush-like clusters on the stalks, varying in colour from yellowy-orange to bright red, but many variables occur in nature, including multi-coloured and yellow and white forms. Flowering occurs in winter and early spring (May and August), but in colder regions of the country this may be delayed until September.
The bitter aloe is adaptable to many conditions and makes a wonderful architectural and specimen plant for the garden. It also grows easily in large containers, so even a small garden could house one. The flowers attract a variety of birds like sunbirds and orioles, as well as weavers, glossy starlings and mouse-birds. Insects also visit the flowers, which in turn will attract insect eating birds to your garden. In the wild, monkeys and baboons raid the flowers for their nectar.
Members can click here to read more about the Bitter Aloe
Protes 'Lady Di' Picture courtesy Madibri Queen Protea, Bearded Protea, Wolbaardsuikerbos (Protea magnifica)
The queen protea is one of the most attractive and sought after with gardeners. It has been given tree status, and has the second largest flower heads after the king protea. The massive woolly flower head is cup-shaped, and in nature the colour range of the floral bracts is broad, including cream and greenish-cream, pink, salmon-pink, and rosy-red to deep carmine. The beards are also variable in colour and may be white, purple-black or tawny-brown, with the central tip being black, tawny-brown or even white.
Flowering times differ from locality to locality, but is abundant from mid-winter to summer (June to January) peaking in September. The leaves are variable, but prominently veined with red to yellow midribs. They are hairy when young, becoming leathery when mature and covered with a grey-green waxy coating or ‘bloom’ that is easily rubbed off.
The queen protea is widespread over almost all the major mountain ranges in the southwestern Cape from the Skimmelberg and Koue Bokkeveld to the Hottentots-Holland Mountains, Klein Swartberg, Riviersonderend Mountains and central Langeberg, occurring at altitudes ranging from 1 200 to 2 700m. In these habitats it is a very variable species, ranging from small erect trees around 3m tall, to low shrubs, commonly found sprawling along rocky areas and on steep slopes where they are reasonably safe from fires. The shrubs tolerate rain, mist and snow during the winter months, and hot, dry weather in summer.
There are many good-looking Protea magnifica garden hybrids which vary in size, and because their flowering times also vary slightly, they are great for extending the season.
'Susara' (Protea magnifica x susannae)
Susara bears delightful creamy-white flowers with salmon-red to pink edges in autumn (March to May). It is well adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, and tolerates light to moderate frosts. And, although it grows quite large, +-2m tall with a spread of 1.5m, it is good in containers.
'Pinita' (Protea magnifica x longifolia)
Pinita has lovely pinkish-red floral bracts which fade to cream at their bases, and a black beard. The large, prominent flower heads are well displayed on a bush that reaches +-2m in height with a similar width. Flowering is mainly from late winter through spring and the shrubs will withstand the occasional frost and temperatures as low as -4°C.
'Lady Di' (Protea magnifica x compacta)
Lady Di is a beautiful pink hybrid, topped with a white fringe, blooming from winter to spring (July to October). It grows +-2m tall with a spread of 1.5m, and tolerates light to moderate frost once established.
Protea 'Susara' Picture courtesy Madibri Stink-leaf Sugarbush, Stinkblaarsuikerbos (Protea susannae)
Don’t be put off by the reputation proteas have of being tricky to grow, if you follow a few simple guidelines they can thrive in your garden. Protea susannae is one of the easiest to grow and is ideal for sandy sites as a wind-resistant cover. It tolerates light to moderate frosts once established, thrives in any well-drained soils from acidic to alkaline, and is particularly suitable for deep sandy soils.
This protea has been given tree status as it is a large and robust upright plant, arising from a single stem and growing +-2 to 3m tall with a spread of 3 to 4m. The oval, wavy leaves curl upwards, and because they have an unpleasant sulphurous smell when crushed, this protea was given the common name “stinkblaarsuikerbos”. Flowering time is mainly in autumn and winter (May to July) but flower heads may be found until spring. The cup-shaped flower heads are pinkish-brown involucral bracts that are covered with a sticky brown layer.
Protea susannae is classified as 'Near Threatened', meaning that it may be in danger of extinction in the near future. Its natural range is in the Overberg area from Stanford to Still Bay, including Elim, Bredasdorp and Riversdale, where it grows in coastal limestone and sand, in dense isolated stands between sea level and 200m. It has lost nearly 30% of its population due to the loss of 25% of its distribution range due to urban expansion, invasive alien plants, protea farming, etc.
Protea susannae hybridises freely and is the parent to numerous gorgeous garden hybrids such as 'Pink Ice', 'Special Pink Ice', 'Cardinal', 'Sylvia' and 'Susara'.
Members can click here to read more about Proteas
Protea 'Niobe' Picture courtesy Madibri Laurel-leaf Protea, Louriersuikerbos (Protea laurifolia)
The laurel-leaf protea has been given tree status but its growth is variable and it can reach anything from 2 to 3m, and often becomes a small tree 5 to 8m tall. It is also quite easy to grow as it tolerates a wider range of soil types than most proteas, and is frost and drought hardy.
This beautiful bearded protea produces large, silvery-pink or cream flowers during autumn and winter (May to July), or even from early autumn to early summer (April to November). The beard can be purple-black, white, or mixed white and black. Because the flowering times of proteas can vary slightly from year to year and region to region, bear this in mind when planning your garden.
Protea laurifolia is not threatened, and is one of the most common of the proteas, with a wide distribution throughout the inland mountains of the Western Cape, and growing at altitudes between 400 and 1 200m, mainly on sandstone or quartzite-derived soils or Cape granite, but it will also grow on Bokkeveld shale, which most proteas cannot tolerate. It is also very drought tolerant surviving in very inhospitable places, and is a common sight on the bleak, semi-arid landscapes of the Cedarberg and Kouebokkeveld.
Many charming hybrids between Protea magnifica x laurifolia are available to gardeners, and many of these are smaller growing and more compact.
'Liebencharm' (Protea magnifica x laurifolia)
Liebencharm is a lovely pink protea with a white and black beard, flowering between March and June. It tolerates light to moderate frosts and grows +-1.5m tall with an equal spread.
'Marz' (Protea magnifica x laurifilia)
Marz has pinkish-red flowers with a white and black beard and flowers from April to May. It tolerates light to moderate frosts and grows +-1.5m tall with an equal spread.
'Niobe' (Protea magnifica x laurifolia)
Niobe has lovely grey-green leaves and produces green flowers with a black beard from March to May. It tolerates light frosts and grows +- 2.5m tall and 1.5m wide.
Members can click here to read more about Proteas
Protea neriifolia 'Blackbeard' Picture courtesy Madibri Oleander-leaf Protea, Narrow-leaf Protea, Baardsuikerbos, Baardsuikerkan (Protea neriifolia)
The narrow-leaf protea occurs in the Overberg area from Stanford to Still Bay, including Elim, Bredasdorp and Riversdale, growing on coastal limestone and sand in dense, isolated stands between sea level and 200m. It is common in the Albertinia, Still Bay area. It has been given tree status and grows quite quickly to a height of around 3 to 5 metres. It has a wider tolerance than most other proteas and grows easily in summer and winter rainfall regions, even withstanding light, but brief frosts.
This protea has a wide variation in both flower colour and flowering times, depending on location and altitude. The colourful bracts vary from creamy-green through silvery-pink to deep carmine-red, and the beards can be purple-black to pure white. Flowering can occur anytime from late summer to autumn and into winter (February to July), or from early spring to early summer (August to November).
Gorgeous garden varieties include:
'Cream Mink' (Protea neriifolia)
Cream Mink is a tall growing variety +-2m tall with a spread of 1.5m, and it tolerates light to moderate frost once established. Creamy, lime-green flowers with dark tufts on top appear from April to June.
'Limelight' (Protea neriifolia)
Limelight is a compact bush +-2m tall and 1.5mwide, and tolerates light to moderate frost once established. It produces delightful lime-green flowers with purple-red tufts on top from April to June.
'Blackbeard' (Protea neriifolia)
Blackbeard is tall, growing +-2.5m with a spread of 1.5m. It tolerates light to moderate frost once established, and produces its lovely terracotta-red flowers in January and February.
‘Pink Ice’ (Protea neriifolia x susannae)
Pink Ice is one of the hardiest of the proteas, and its deep rose-pink flowers bloom from April to June. It grows +-2.5m tall with a spread up to 2m, and tolerates moderate frost.
Members can click here to read more about Proteas
Protes repens 'Early Daddy' Picture courtesy Madibri Sugarbush, Honey Protea, Suikerbos, Stroopbos (Protea repens)
Protea repens is an excellent addition to any wildlife-friendly garden as the large amount of nectar produced by the flowers attracts birds, bees and many other insects. It has been given tree status as this sturdy, dense shrub can reach anything from 1 to 4m in height, with hairless leaves. The flowers are fairly large and chalice-shaped, ranging in colour from a creamy-white, white touched with pink, to deep red varieties. This protea has a wide variation in flowering times, depending on location and altitude. The flowering period varies, depending on where it is grown, and in the western part of its range it flowers from late summer and into winter (February to July), and in its eastern range it will flower in spring and early summer (August to November).
The Sugarbush is one of the most adaptable and reliable proteas to cultivate because it will grow in a wide range of soils, and is tolerant of a large range of growing conditions. Many of its gorgeous varieties and variants will tolerate frost and low temperatures, and there are even those which will grow in gardens with nearly subtropical conditions.
It can be found growing from high in the mountains of the Bokkeveld Escarpment, along the South West Cape, to east of Makhanda, formerly known as Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape. Although it most frequently occurs on the flats, coastal forelands, and on the lower to midway up mountain slopes, it has been found at altitudes up to 1 500m, occurring in dense stands or scattered between other fynbos plants.
Protea repens has many lovely varieties which flower at various times, extending the season:
'White Daddy' (Protea repens variety)
White Daddy is a hardy plant which is well adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, tolerating moderate frost and growing +-2.5m tall with an equal spread. Its creamy-white flowers appear from May to July.
'Early Daddy' (Protea repens variety)
Early Daddy is a hardy plant which is well adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, tolerating moderate frost and growing +-2.5m tall with an equal spread. Its lovely rosy-red flowers appear from December to March.
'Sugar Daddy' (Protea repens variety)
Sugar daddy is a hardy plant which is well adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, tolerating moderate frost and growing +-2.5m tall with an equal spread. Its lovely crimson-red flowers appear from February to May.
'Red Repens' (Protea repens variety)
Red repens produces fabulous red blooms from December to February. This dense shrub grows +-2m tall and makes an excellent specimen or screening plant.
Members can click here to read more about Proteas
Protea 'Red Baron' Picture courtesy Madibri Bredasdorp Protea, Limestone Sugarbush, Bredasdorpsuikerbos (Protea obtusifolia)
This protea has been given tree status as it matures into a large upright and rounded plant with a stout main trunk 2 to 4m tall and a spread up to 5m. The leaves are a rich, dark green and covered in minute soft hairs when young, but hairless and leathery when mature. The shiny, richly coloured flower heads vary from deep carmine to creamy white, with many shades of pink in between. Flowering occurs from autumn until spring (April to September), peaking during midwinter (June-July).
It occurs along the southern Cape coast from Stanford to Cape Agulhas, Cape Infanta and Still Bay as far as Cape Vacca near the Gouritz River mouth. Populations used to occur as far west as Hermanus and Onrus but they have been wiped out by urban development. It also grows in dense stands on limestone outcrops of the Alexandria Formation, occurring exclusively in limestone or limestone-derived soils, frequently rooted between cracks and crevices in limestone bedrock. It withstands salt-laden winds during much of the year, and in parts of its range the plants endure the full blast of the almost continuous onshore winds. However, plants growing under these conditions are stunted.
It is one of the few proteas that thrive in alkaline or acidic soils, making it one of the most adaptable proteas for gardens. Once established it will tolerate brief bouts of light frost, but is best in frost-free gardens.
Protea obtusifolia is a beautiful, long-lasting cut flower and it is cultivated for the export market. It is a parent of a few hybrids that are also grown for the export market, like: Protea obtusifolia x compacta 'Red Baron' and Protea magnifica x obtusifolia 'Candida'.
Members can click here to read more about Proteas
Combretum kraussii Fruits Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryForest Bushwillow, Bosvaderlandswilg, modubu, imbondvo lemhlophe, muvuvhu-thavha, ulandile, umdubu wehlathi (Combretum kraussii)
The forest bushwillow is endemic to southern Africa, growing wild nowhere else in the world. It can be found growing from the coast to the midlands, in the eastern regions of South Africa; from the Eastern Cape to Kwa-Zulu Natal and neighbouring Lesotho, Swaziland and southern Mozambique. It's habitat ranges from evergreen forests or forest margins to dense woodlands and rocky hillsides, grasslands and savannah-bushveld; and at altitudes from almost sea level up to 1 200m.
The forest bushwillow looks good all year round and is one of our most decorative garden trees, and because its roots are unlikely to lift paving, it is suitable for small gardens, and also for large parks and office parks, avenues, pavements and carparks. It can even be grown in large pots.
It is fast growing with an attractive shape and dense canopy, varying in size from 5 to 15m tall with a 4 to 8m spread, depending on climate. It has a single trunk about 80cm in diameter, with a smooth grey to dark grey bark which becomes flaky with age. This tree is classified as mostly evergreen to semi-deciduous, as the spring leaves only partially replace the old foliage.
In autumn and winter the leaves turn brilliant shades of bright red to purple, and the leaves persist through winter, only dropping most of them just before the fresh spring leaves and small creamy-white flower spikes appear. Small but showy four-winged fruit clusters follow the flowers anytime from late February to June. They are light to dark red and turn a conspicuous brownish red when dry and each fruit has one wrinkled seed.
This indigenous tree will provide roosting and nesting sites for many types of birds, and the seeds will attract seed eaters. The nectar in the flowers will attract various pollinators like bees, and many butterflies to the garden, and in the wild various animals are also known to eat the fruit.
Members can click here to read more about the Forest Bushwillow
Halleria lucida Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryTree Fuchsia, Witolyf, Kinderbessi, Notsung, umBinza (Halleria lucida)
Halleria lucida is a lovely evergreen tree or large shrub that is found growing in coastal scrub, ravines and rocky mountain slopes, and also alongside streams in evergreen forests and forest margins. It can be found growing wild in many parts of the country, from the Western and Eastern Cape, Lesotho, the eastern Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Swaziland, then inland into Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the Northern and North West Province.
The tree fuchsia is most often multi-stemmed, with a dense spreading crown of bright green glossy leaves on lovely drooping branches. It varies in height, according to the climate in which it is grown. In exposed positions and in dry regions it generally remains a small shrubby tree about 2 to 5m tall, but in moist protected positions it can reach 10m tall, and in subtropical regions it may even reach a height of 20m.
It was given the common name “tree fuchsia” because of its clusters of tubular fuchsia-like flowers that are produced in the axils of the leaves and on short shoots on the old wood, and even on the main trunk. The flowers vary in colour from dark orange to brick-red and yellow, and can appear anytime from May to January. The flowers are somewhat hidden amongst the leaves but are rich in nectar, attracting nectar-feeding sunbirds and butterflies, and once they drop, the flowers are followed by green berries that ripen to black. The fruit is edible but is sickly sweet and not very tasty to humans, but is relished by fruit-eating birds. In the wild the leaves are browsed by stock and game.
The tree fuchsia has been cultivated in South Africa since the early 1800's and makes a good specimen tree for the smaller garden because it does not have invasive roots. In larger gardens and parks it looks lovely if planted in groups. It also makes an excellent informal screening plan, windbreak or hedge, and grows beautifully in large containers.
Members can click here to read more about the Tree Fuchsia
Ilex mitis Berries Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryCape Holly, Waterboom, monamane, iPhuphuma, umDuma, phukgile, mutanzwa-khamelo (Ilex mitis)
There are over 500 species in the holly family, mostly from Asia and tropical America, occurring in temperate and subtropical forests. Ilex mitis is the only species in South Africa and is a close relative of the European holly but it does not have the characteristic, sharply spiny leaves. It is very widely distributed in Africa and grows in all the provinces of South Africa, and also in Swaziland and Lesotho. It is a truly beautiful tree of the woods and forests, flourishing in moist spots in the forests and on the banks of rivers and streams, from sea level to the high mountains.
Because its range is so vast, it is also very variable in size, depending on the climate where it is growing. For example, in the Knysna forest it can easily reach heights of 18m with a trunk diameter of 0.6m, but in drier regions its growth is stunted. In cultivation it usually remains a small to medium-sized tree that seldom grows taller than 8m.
The Cape holly is a truly beautiful medium-sized evergreen with a gracefully rounded crown of glossy dark green leaves, carried on plum-coloured stalks, and the first flush of new growth is reddish-brown. It has a lovely straight trunk and when young its smooth bark is almost white, developing gnarled outgrowths with age. In spring and early summer massed clusters of small but sweetly scented white flowers appear. Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees and the flowers are not very showy, but will attract butterflies. In autumn and winter (April to July) the female trees bear heavy crops of small red, holly-like berries that attract flocks of fruit eating birds.
Because the Cape holly does not reach enormous heights, nor does it have an invasive root system, it is ideal as a shade tree for most gardens. It does well in large pots, and is also relatively fast-growing, making it useful if you’re looking for quick results. It can be clipped into almost any shape and size, making it perfect for formal gardens, and if planted closely together it can be pruned into an excellent hedge or windbreak. These qualities also make the Cape holly suitable for smaller gardens, where it can be kept to any size. Because the Cape holly loves water, plant it next to a water feature, or a stream or pond if you have one. It also looks beautiful if planted in groves.
Members can click here to read more about Cape Holly
Pittosporum viridiflorum Fruit Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryCheesewood, Kasuur, umVusamvu, Umkhwenkwe, Umphushamvu, Umphushane, Kgalagangwe, Mosetlela, Mpustinya-poqo, Nkasur, Mulondwane, Mutanzwakhamelo, Umgqwengqwe (Pittosporum viridiflorum)
Our indigenous cheesewood is often described as “the perfect garden tree” because it is a versatile garden subject which grows moderately quickly and looks fabulous all year round. It also has non-invasive roots, and its lovely shiny evergreen foliage does not make a mess.
In the wild, Pittosporum viridiflorum is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree or large shrub which has colonized a vast area from India to the Western Cape of South Africa, but is especially widely distributed in the eastern half of South Africa. The cheesewood occurs in the Western and Eastern Cape, to Kwazulu-Natal, Free State, Gauteng, North West, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. Because it grows singly among other species of trees across a wide range of altitudes the Cape ash varies in height according to climatic conditions, ranging from about 4 to 7m tall with a 5m spread, to a large forest tree in the tropics, up to 30m tall. Although this handsome evergreen is perfect for large gardens and parks, it can be pruned to keep it smaller, and also grows easily in a large pot.
The Cheesewood is an absolute 'must have' for all wildlife gardens as its small, greenish-white flowers with their sweet honey scent are produced in early to mid-summer, attracting bees and butterflies. The flowers are followed by a profusion of small, yellowish-brown capsules from autumn through winter and into spring (May to September) which are very attractive when they mature and split open to reveal four bright red or deep orange seeds covered in a sticky, resinous exudate.
The flowers and fruits attract a plethora of wildlife, which in turn attract insect eating birds. The seeds are sought after by many birds, including the red-eyed dove, and African olive pigeons, doves, barbets, starlings, francolins and guinea fowls will eat any fruit that has fallen to the ground.
Members can click here to read more about the Cheesewood
Erythrina lysistemon Common Coral Tree, Lucky Bean Tree, Gewone Koraalboom, Kanniedood, umsintsi, muvhale, mophete, mokhungwane, umsinsi (Erythrina lysistemon)
The common coral tree occurs in a wide range of altitudes and habitats, in both high and low rainfall regions, growing in scrub forest, wooded kloofs and woodlands, dry savannah and on the slopes of koppies, and in coastal dune bush. It can be found in North West Province, Limpopo, Gauteng and Mpumalanga, through to Swaziland and KwaZulu-Natal, and down to about the Mbashe River Mouth in the Eastern Cape. It also occurs in small pockets in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Angola and Tanzania.
The common coral tree is an outstanding small to medium-sized deciduous tree with a sparse but spreading crown, producing its brilliant orange to dark red flowers for a long period from mid-winter to late spring. The flowers are filled with delicious nectar for our feathered friends.
It has a stocky, thickset form and often branches low down on the trunk. Its ultimate height and spread will be determined largely by the climate of the region where it is grown. In the more arid regions of the country it will remain small, reaching +- 5m tall, with an equal spread; while in moister regions it may reach 6 to 8m in height and spread, occasionally even reaching 10 to 12m.
The trunks and stems are thorny, as well as the compound leaves, which have 3 leaflets with hooked prickles on the midribs. The trunks are a light brownish-grey with distinctive longitudinal groves. The fruit is a slender, black pod that ripens over a long time during summer, and the pods split while still attached to the tree, releasing the bright red 'lucky bean' seeds, marked on one side with a black spot.
Coral trees are also perfect for that spot in the garden where you need sun in winter and shade in summer, and if planted singly in a large expanse of lawn, make a spectacular specimen tree. The common coral tree is suitable for medium to large gardens but because the roots of large coral trees are invasive, the tree should be planted at least 5m away from roads, paving, walls or foundations. Also, bear in mind the eventual spread of the tree when siting it.
Members can click here to read more about Coral Trees
Erythrina caffraCoastal Coral Tree, Lucky Bean Tree, Kus-koraalboom, umsinsi, umsintsi (Erythrina caffra)
The Coastal Coral Tree occurs in the sheltered coastal and riverine fringe forests in the warm and frost-free, to light frost coastal regions of the Eastern Cape; from the Humansdorp District to Port Shepstone, and inland into the Albany District of the Eastern Cape. It also occurs in northern KwaZulu-Natal in the Hlabisa and Lake Sibayi areas of Zululand, over 400km away from its southern populations.
Its ultimate height and spread will depend largely on the climate where it is grown, and it can reach +-9 to 12m tall, with a spread of +-7 to 11m. In coastal and forested areas, where conditions are optimal for growth, this tree can even reach a height of 20m. Warm, scarlet red flowers are produced on the bare branches in winter and spring. The flowers are filled with delicious nectar, attracting all kinds of wildlife and nectar eating animals. The flowers are followed by masses of black pods which burst open to reveal the bright red 'lucky bean' seeds, marked on the one side with a black spot.
The coastal coral tree is perfect for a garden where you need sun in winter and shade in summer, but because of its size, is only suitable for large gardens or pot culture. The roots of large coral trees are invasive, and should be planted at least 5m away from roads, paving, walls or foundations. Also, bear in mind the eventual spread of the tree when siting it.
Erythrina latissima Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryBroad-leaved Coral Tree, Breëblaarkoraalboom, Muvhale, Monnaphêthê, Umgqwabagqwaba Umnqwane (Erythrina latissima)
This small deciduous tree can be found growing wild in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape. It is a medium sized, sturdy tree, growing +-3 to 10m tall, depending on climate and rainfall. The bark is rough and corky, and the huge leathery leaves are magnificent. Large spikes of nectar-rich, red to scarlet flowers appear on the leafless tree in late winter and early spring, attracting sunbirds and other wildlife, and the long pods that follow the flowers, split to reveal beautiful orange-red seeds.
It is perfect for that spot in the garden where you need sun in winter and shade in summer, and it makes a gorgeous specimen plant in the lawn. All Erythrina species are not just decorative, but play an important role in the ecosystem, providing food and shelter for a variety of birds, animals and insects. They are therefore essential in wildlife gardens large and small. Another big bonus is that these plants are water-wise, and require minimal upkeep, making them perfect for busy gardeners.
The roots of large coral trees are invasive, and should be planted at least 5m away from roads, paving, walls or foundations. Also, bear in mind the eventual spread of the tree when siting it.
Members can click here to read more about Coral Trees
Erythrina humeana Picture courtesy Random Harvest NurseryDwarf Coral Tree, Kleinkoraalboom, umSinsana, iKati (Erythrina humeana)
This delightful little coral tree can be found growing wild from the Eastern Cape Province and northward through KwaZulu-Natal and into Mpumalanga. It is suitable for even the smallest garden and grows beautifully in a pot. It produces a number of stems from the ground +-1.5 to 4m high, and masses of scarlet flowers on long black stalks, in late winter or spring. These unusual flowering stems are perfect for the vase and are bound to evoke gasps of delight. The trademark red 'lucky bean seeds' are produced in curious, knobbly black pods.
The dwarf coral is ideal for the small garden and great for people who love the scarlet flowers of the larger coral trees but don't have space for a tree. The broad-leaved coral tree is slightly larger but also suitable for small and medium-sized gardens, as well as pot culture.
All our indigenous species of coral trees are spectacular and have been loved and cultivated by locals since the earliest days of our history. Their popularity and cultivation is not only limited to South Africa but also extends to tropical, subtropical and temperate gardens abroad.
Members can click here to read more about Coral Trees
Ekebergia capensis Cape Ash, Dogplum, Essenhout, Mutovuma, Umnyamathi, Mmidibidi, Nyamaru (Ekebergia capensis)
In South Africa the Cape ash is a protected tree which grows from the Western Cape, all along the coast to the Eastern Cape, from where it extends more inland and northwards through KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces. Across its vast range it is very variable in its growth habit, as it occurs in both high altitude evergreen forests and riverine forests, from sea level to 2 500m. In its natural habitat, trees that grow in the open will develop a beautiful rounded crown and mature into a large impressive tree 15 to 20m tall. However, if found in high rainfall riverine forests it can reach a majestic 35m tall with a spread of up to 8m. On the other extreme, when growing on rocks or in dryer regions, the tree is stunted and remains a dwarf.
Although it is evergreen over much of its range, in regions which experience cold or dry winters it is briefly deciduous, with the leaves turning yellow to red just before they fall. Part of its beauty is its large glossy leaves that are often tinged with a pinkish patch, or pink edges, and the rough bark of the main stem is an attractive light grey to almost black, with buttress roots at the base.
The sprays of small white flowers are occasionally tinged with pink, and have a sweet scent rather like orange blossoms, and can appear anytime during spring and summer, and are pollinated by bees and ants. Male and female flowers occur on separate trees, and only the female trees will bear fruits.
The round and fleshy fruits appear in late summer and contain four seeds. They start out green, ripening to pink and then bright red in autumn and winter. Although humans can eat the fruits they taste surprisingly of onions and are not very palatable! However, a multitude of birds and mammals who love to feast on the ripening fruits will flock to the trees. Birds such as the Knysna and purple-crested louries, barbets, bulbuls, mousebirds and hornbills all feast on the fruits. The beautiful Cape ash also attracts butterflies and is the larval host plant for the White-barred Emperor butterfly, the fastest flying butterfly in Southern Africa. Nine moth species are also known to utilise this tree.
Baboons and monkeys are frequent visitors and bushpigs, bushbuck and nyala readily eat the fallen fruits. The leaves are also browsed by game, and on farms, in times of drought domestic stock can safely graze on the leaves and fruits as fodder.
The Cape ash is an invaluable, fast growing, evergreen shade tree which is ideal for farms and game farms, and a ‘must-have’ for wildlife gardens. It is planted in parks around the world for its great beauty, and has been used for years as a street tree in many of the towns and cities of South Africa. Plant it at least 4 to 5m from a building or swimming pool.