Description
Heteropyxis canescens (Heteropyxidaceae). Bastard Lavender Tree (e), Basterlaventelboom (a). Hardy, rare, semi-deciduous, small tree that occurs in forested ravines and riverine forests in a restricted area of Mpumalanga and Swaziland. The quite large leaves have interesting venation and are magnificent in autumn when they turn purple, red and maroon. They persist on the tree for most of the winter making a lovely show in the garden. The crushed leaves smell strongly of lavender. This Heteropyxis looks particularly attractive planted in groups with their stems pruned up to reveal the beautiful light coloured bark. The small yellow-greenish flowers, which attract butterflies and other insects, are borne in clusters at the end of branches during the summer. It grows best in moist conditions and tolerates seasonal inundation of water. Size 3 to 8m. S.A. No. 454. Sowing : Sow the seeds in well-drained moist soil and cover them with a thin layer of compost. Make sure they are kept in a warm area as this promotes rapid germination. Seeds take about 12 days to germinate. Locality: Krugersdorp. Harvest: July 2021
