Description
Cussonia sphaerocephala (Araliaceae) – Natal Forest Cabbage Tree (e), Natalse Boskiepersol (a), umSenge wehlathi (z,x). A fast-growing, evergreen, fairly hardy tree. It is tall and sparsely branched, with each branch bearing its own small spherical crown of leaves. The large, shiny, leathery, attractive leaves are red when they first appear, darken to bronze and then to dark green. The greenish flowers appear between March and June and are densely packed on thick spikes forming compact, umbels. The masses of purplish-black fruit that follow are small and fleshy and attract birds to the garden. This very decorative tree is suitable for large, sheltered, shady gardens and makes a good container plant. Size 15 to 20m. S.A. No. 564.2. Sowing : Make sure seed trays are at least 15 cm in depth to allow the small tubers to form. Do not allow seed to become waterlogged or dry out. Keep seed and seedlings in a semi-shaded area. Seedlings can be transplanted at about 4 months, but be very careful not to damage the fleshy roots when transplanting. Locality: Mapumulo. Harvest: July 2023
