Belonging to the Heteropyxidaceae family, Heteropyxis natalensis is an ideal tree to plant in small to medium-sized gardens. This small to medium-sized tree [4 to 8m] has a slender, upright form and is semi-deciduous. The genus name Heteropyxis is derived from the Greek word Heteros, which means others or distinct, and the Latin word Pyxidatus, which means a capsule with a boxlike lid. The specific name ‘Natalensis’ means ‘from   Natal,’ which is now KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa, where the type specimen of the species was collected from.

The leaves are simple, alternate, narrowly elliptic, ovate to obovate. They are also shiny, dark green above and paler green below. When mature, the leaves become either slightly hairy or hairless and produce an aromatic scent when crushed. In autumn, the leaves can turn vibrant shades of red or purple before dropping. The distinctive bark of this tree is an interesting characteristic.  Initially, it is smooth and pale with tawny, silvery hues and darker grey patches and a papery grain.  As the tree matures, the bark develops a rich texture and flakes off in large scales, leaving craggy, apricot-coloured patches that provide shelter for many tiny insects and ants. This light-coloured bark provides an interesting contrast in colour in the garden.

From September to March, small clusters of yellowish, sweetly-scented flowers are borne that attract insects, bees, and birds to the garden.  Fruits appear from March to May and take the form of small, brownish, oval capsules that contain many seeds.  The fruit ripens and splits to release the seeds, and the old capsules can stay on the tree for many months.

The Lavender tree is fairly fast-growing, depending on the habitat, and has a non-invasive root system, which makes it ideal for a townhouse garden or for pool planting.  It should be protected from frost when young, but it becomes fairly hardy as it matures. The bark, leaves, roots, and twigs of Heteropyxis natalensis are widely used as herbal medicines in Southern Africa.