Cussonia spicata 2342
Author: Carl Peter Thunberg (1743-1828)Family: Araliaceae Subfamily: Aralioideae
Genus: Cussonia
English name: Cabbage tree
Zone: South Africa
Description
Cussonia spicata occurs naturally over a wide range in the wetter areas of southern Africa from the southern Cape and eastern parts of the country extending through Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and further north reaching into tropical Africa. The species is variable depending on origin, some forms being more frost tolerant than others. The more resistant forms may tolerate a moderate degree of frost but will require protection when young. Other forms which originate in subtropical areas on the KwaZulu-Natal & Eastern Cape coast will not tolerate even a mild degree of frost. The species enjoys ample water, full sun or semi shade, especially when young. The specific name spicata means spike-like in reference to the arrangement of the flowers.
Cussonia spicata Observed in South Africa by Sandra Falanga (license)
Botanical Description
This tree has a squat corky, grey trunk with fissured bark and a widely spreading roundish crown of large, smooth, dark green palmately compound leaves. It has small densely packed greenish flowers borne on erect candlestick-like inflorescences. The pea-sized fleshy fruits are soft and purple when ripe.
Useful plant
A nice tree to have on farms and game farms but a real asset in the landscape trade where its unique and distinctive shape can be used to advantage as an accent or focal point, contrasted against modern structures. The leaves are browsed by stock and game, especially elephant and kudu.
References
- Indigenous Plants A South Africa Guide, Pitta Joffe & Tinus Oberholzer. 2012 pag. 237. ISBN
- Notes on the genus Cussonia in South Africa, Strey, RG. Bothalia 1973 Vol. 11(1/2) pag. 191-201. Address
- PlantZafrica, Andrew Hankey. Walter Sisulu NBG 2004. Cussonia spicata
References
- Indigenous Plants A South Africa Guide, Pitta Joffe & Tinus Oberholzer. 2012 pag. 237. ISBN
- Notes on the genus Cussonia in South Africa, Strey, RG. Bothalia 1973 Vol. 11(1/2) pag. 191-201. Address
- PlantZafrica, Andrew Hankey. Walter Sisulu NBG 2004. Cussonia spicata
References for the genus
- Notes on the genus Cussonia in South Africa, Strey, RG. Bothalia 1973 Vol. 11(1/2) pag. 191-201. Address
General specifications
Biological type: tree
Frost resistance: 28ºF
Leaf color: dark green
Flower color: yellow
Specifications for the Mediterranean basin
Adult size (h x w): 26,2ft x 16,4ft
Sun exposure: full sun (Sun hours: >6h Foliage: evergreen
Growth: slow
Flowering time from May until September
Specific information for our garden
Planting substrate: 30%Compost+30%Coco+40%Sand
Plant watering: 3x a week pH 6.5
Logical sequence of containers for: Succulents; tray, 1L container, 2L forestry pot, 6L container, 55L container
Ecology in its country of origin
Rainfall: 500-1500mm
Gravelly soil: much
Frost resistance: 28ºF
Leaf color: dark green
Flower color: yellow
Specifications for the Mediterranean basin
Adult size (h x w): 26,2ft x 16,4ft
Sun exposure: full sun (Sun hours: >6h Foliage: evergreen
Growth: slow
Flowering time from May until September
Specific information for our garden
Planting substrate: 30%Compost+30%Coco+40%Sand
Plant watering: 3x a week pH 6.5
Logical sequence of containers for: Succulents; tray, 1L container, 2L forestry pot, 6L container, 55L container
Ecology in its country of origin
Rainfall: 500-1500mm
Gravelly soil: much
Sowing instructions
SPRING Sow the seeds at 5mm depth in the 30%Compost+30%Coco+40%Sand between 64-72°F. During germination keep the substrate moist and in daylight. The seeds germinate in 4-8 weeks.
Germination references
- PlantZafrica, Andrew Hankey. Walter Sisulu NBG 2004. Cussonia spicata
- Seed dynamics and seedling survival in mainland thicket of the Eastern Cape, Weatherall-Thomas, Clayton Richard. 2009. Address
Germination references
- PlantZafrica, Andrew Hankey. Walter Sisulu NBG 2004. Cussonia spicata
- Seed dynamics and seedling survival in mainland thicket of the Eastern Cape, Weatherall-Thomas, Clayton Richard. 2009. Address
Experiences in the garden
20-06-14A Obtaining seeds from seed provider Sunshine Seeds.
21-08-14 Sown 10 seeds in a tray, they did not geminate.
Protocol: Autumn 5mm Sowing mix+Sand >77°F Damp substrate+Light 4-8w
12-05-16B Obtaining 3 plants from nursery Issa
04-12-17 1x Dead plant because of watering problem: Petite Pép.
04-06-18 2x Dead plant because of frost: -7°C Terrasse.
06-03-17C Obtaining seeds from seed provider SilverHill collected in 'SilverHill3>Eastern Cape'. (Wild origin)
28-08-17 Send a batch to nursery Issa.
09-04-19D Obtaining seeds from seed provider Rare Palm Seeds. Stock
14-05-19 Sown seeds in a tray and germinated at 24-06-19.
Protocol: Spring 5mm Sowing mix+Sand 68-77°F Damp substrate+Light 4-8w
30-04-25 Sown 12 seeds in a seed plate ½, they did not geminate in Serre4.
Protocol: Spring 5mm Light sowing mix 64-72°F Damp substrate+Light 4-8w
. . . 2019D Production of 4 plants in our nursery: Serre2 4x F3