Description
Loxostylis alata (Anacardiaceae) Tarwood (e), Teerhout (a), isiBara (z). Fairly hardy, evergreen, small, decorative tree with sprays of white flowers from spring to mid summer. The sepals of the female flowers enlarge and turn bright red hiding their small dry fruit. The leaves have a drooping habit and are glossy dark green. The new growth is red and this most attractive small tree bears these beautiful red colours throughout the growing season. Male and female flowers on separate trees. A beautiful spreading small tree for full sun. The corky grey bark and the leaves are used medicinally. Size 5 to 8m. S.A. No. 365. Sowing : Sow seeds in summer. Seeds germinate easily, but often transplant poorly. Avoid disturbing the rootball when planting out young trees. Locality: Pietermaritzburg. Harvest: March 2020
