A very hardy small to medium sized evergreen tree, Pittosporum viridiflorum makes a good specimen plant in the garden when planted both in full sun or semi-shade conditions. This tree grows over a wide range of altitudes and its growth habit varies from one location to another. It prefers well-drained soils and is reasonably drought [...]
Myrsine africana is a dense multi-stemmed small shrub commonly found growing among rocks or beneath other trees. This slow growing evergreen shrub has an upright growth habit, it can reach a mature height of about 2m when growing conditions are favourable. The distribution of Myrsine africana stretches from the Himalayas, China and the Azores to [...]
An attractive small to medium sized tree that can grow as deciduous or evergreen depending on prevailing growing conditions. Although Heteropyxis natalensis now grows in many parts of South Africa, it originated from KwaZulu Natal. When crushed, leaves and twigs of this tree produce a strong lavender smell hence the common name ‘lavender tree.’ In [...]
An evergreen to semi-deciduous tree belonging to the Citrus family, Ptaeroxylon obliquum can reach a mature height of 35m under conducive growing conditions. Its distribution stretches from Tanzania in the North to Eastern Cape in South. Leaves of this tree are opposite, evenly compound with dark green asymmetric leaflets. In Autumn, Ptaeroxylon obliquum produces yellow [...]
In its natural habitat, Dombeya rotundifolia is found growing either in clumps or a single tree. The wild pear is a beautiful specimen tree characterised by white pink scented flowers. This tree flowers together with the coral tree, signalling the beginning of Spring. It is deciduous and fast growing, with a growth rate of about 1 - [...]
Ilex mitis is a beautiful fast growing evergreen tree which grows well in moist conditions but can also withstand dry conditions. It is believed to be an indicator species for areas with high water table. This tree is widely distributed in different parts of South Africa which include Limpopo, Northwest, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Free [...]
Summer is upon us and the temperature has rocketed! This week our focus is on the Magnolia grandiflora or Southern magnolia. Originating from the southern parts of the United States, the exotic Magnolia can be grown in large containers or in larger gardens. This beautiful, rather slow growing, evergreen tree with its leathery leaves and [...]
Diospyros whyteana is found through most of South Africa and is a multi-functional tree that can be planted in a smaller or large garden. Growing to a height of approximately 5 m in an urban setting, the tree can reach up to 12 m in the wild. The attractive Bladder-nut is an evergreen shrub or [...]
Nuxia congesta, also known as the Brittlewood, is a small, evergreen tree or shrub with attractive, bright green leaves. Native to South Africa, the tree is best known for its flowers that bloom during autumn and winter from March to July. Quick growing, the tree is multi-trunked with crooked stems and grows to a height [...]
