Description
Olinia emarginata (Oliniaceae) – Mountain Hard Pear (e), Berghardepeer (a), uQudu (z), mmasephaletsi (NS). Very hardy, evergreen medium to large evergreen tree with gorgeous creamy white bark that flakes to reveal orange patches. The leaves are almost mirror-like, glossy, dark green with red petioles. The compact sprays of pink flowers are faintly scented and appear during summer. The fruits are dark pink to red drupes in dense clusters and are very decorative. The size of the tree will vary from small in open areas to very large in a forest situation. As the roots are non-aggressive it can be used in a small garden. This is one of our most beautiful trees but unfortunately very difficult to grow in cultivation. Size up to 20m. S.A. No. 514. Sowing : This is a very difficult species to propagate, from either seed or cuttings. Numerous techniques have been tried. Seed can be sown in a 1:1 mixture of river sand and compost. Germination is erratic and can take up to nine months. Do not allow the mixture to dry out at any stage. Locality : Harry Smith. Date of harvest : May 2013
