See under Trees

See under Trees

See under Trees

See under Trees

See under Trees

Alocasia macrorrhizaDescription, History & Interesting Facts:

The Giant Elephants Ear occurs naturally in tropical forests in Sri Lanka, India and Malaysia where it grows alongside streams and in openings in the forest understory.

In tropical regions it is a massive perennial plant with huge elephant ear leaves that can grow 90cm to 1.8 m in length and 60cm to 1.2 m wide. New leaf stalks emerge from a stout upright trunk that can stand 1.8 m tall. In ideal conditions the whole plant can reach 3.7 to 4.6 m tall and spread 1.8 to 3 m.

In colder and drier gardens the plant remains much smaller, growing about 2 to 3m tall and about 1.5m wide.

Its flowers are pale-green spathes with a white spadice, about 20cm long and are not very showy. The reddish seeds that develop along the spadix, look like corn on the cob. 

In the Garden & Home:

If you need a bold and imposing foliage plant for a shady garden, the Giant Elephants Ear fits the bill.

It grows beautifully in large containers indoors and outdoors and landscape designers use its attractive foliage in hotel lobbies, entrance halls and conference rooms.

Cultivation/Propagation:

Place it in bright light indoors but avoid direct sunlight, which could damage the leaves, especially during the hottest months of the year. Plant it in good moist, well-drained soil and ensure the pot is heavy enough to support the weight of the plant. Water regularly, never Alocasia hybrid 'Midnight Magic' Picture courtesy www.steyns-nursery.co.zaallowing the soil to dry out completely and mist spray the leaves often with tepid water, to increase humidity and keep them clean and healthy. Feed monthly with a soluble pot plant food.

Due to its large consumption of water, this plant is used to increase the humidity of rooms which would otherwise be too dry.

The Giant Elephant ear thrives in humid conditions that receive good rainfall and can tolerate shallow flooding. It is semi-hardy to frost if it is planted in a protected position in the garden. Frost will damage the leaves but the trunk will sprout new leaves in spring.

This perennial thrives in semi-shade but will tolerate almost full shade. Plant it into soil that is rich in organic matter and water and feed it regularly for best results.

This plant spreads by rhizomes and these are cut between the upright stems to propagate new plants. Offsets often develop and these can also be separated from the parent plant. Stem cuttings root easily in spring and early summer. The reddish seeds should be planted as soon as they ripen.

Hibiscus schizapetalus. Picture courtesy Sam Fraser-SmithThe Japanese Lantern used to be a popular garden plant in South Africa, but sadly they are no longer easy to find. Old established gardens may sport a few, so for identification purposes we have included them here. If you do find them growing, take a few cuttings for your garden, and if you see them for sale, snatch a few – they are truly worth it!

Condensed Version:

Hibiscus schizopetalus is a vigorous species with an open growth habit and long arching branches that tend to droop. The pendant bright red or coral pink flowers have elaborately dissected and recurved petals; and the long green leaves are deeply toothed. This hibiscus is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical gardens because it is easy to grow and free-flowering. It is often used as a small weeping tree; makes a wonderful screening plant and is great in the mixed shrub border. It also grows beautifully in containers. The Japanese lantern is a tender tropical plant which thrives in humid, sub-tropical regions; but is hardy to light frost if covered in winter; in colder regions plant it in a container which can be moved.

This hibiscus has some salt tolerance making it a popular choice for coastal, as well as for warm inland climates. It does not do well in very hot, dry summer regions, but will grow in the winter rainfall regions if it can be watered well during the summer months. It grows very quickly in full sun to semi-shade to about 1.8 to 3m tall and 1 to 1.5m wide. Protect it from strong wind, and because it cannot stand much drought, the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. Fertilise monthly in summer with a liquid fertiliser for flowering plants - diluted to 1/2 the strength recommended on the label. Coral hibiscus thrives in fertile, slightly acid soil, but will adapt to most good garden soils which drain well and have been enriched with compost. Most growers advocate pruning it yearly to encourage blooming, while some state that pruning yearly will reduce flowering. Because this hibiscus grows so quickly, it should be fine to prune lightly occasionally, just to keep the plant from becoming lanky.

Full Version:

Description, History & Interesting Facts:

Tropical hibiscus is a quintessential evergreen, with big, brightly-coloured blooms; but Hibiscus schizopetalus is a species that is very different, with its vigorous, open growth habit and long arching branches that tend to droop. The pendant bright red or coral pink flowers have elaborately dissected and recurved petals; and the long green leaves are deeply toothed. If pollinated, flowers may be followed by oblong seed capsules. This hibiscus is native to tropical East Africa in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique, where it grows in open coastal forests. Although it is not native to Japan, it was given its common name because of the way the flowers droop from the branches in a manner reminiscent of Japanese lanterns. It blooms continuously in summer, especially after good rains, and sporadically the rest of the year. The flowers open in the morning and die after about 12 hours. Their pollen and nectar rich flowers attract a host of pollinators including birds, bees and butterflies - particularly some of the larger swallowtails.

In the Garden:

This hibiscus is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical gardens because it is easy to grow and free-flowering. Because it grows quickly and can reach 3m or more, it is often used as a small weeping tree, rather than as a shrub. It also makes a wonderful screening plant and is great in the mixed shrub border. It grows beautifully in containers and hanging baskets if it is pruned and fed regularly.

Cultivation:

The Japanese lantern is a tender tropical plant which thrives in humid, sub-tropical regions; but is hardy to light frost if it is planted in a warm, protected spot in the garden and covered in winter. In colder regions it may be advisable to plant it in a container which can be moved in winter. This hibiscus has some salt tolerance making it a popular choice for coastal, as well as for warm inland climates. It does not do well in very hot, dry summer regions, but will grow in the winter rainfall regions if it can be watered well during the summer months. It grows in full sun to semi-shade and will grow very quickly in tropical regions to about 1.8 to 3m tall and 1 to 1.5m wide. In colder regions it will grow slower and remain smaller. Protect it from strong wind, and because it cannot stand much drought, the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely. Fertilise monthly in summer with a liquid fertiliser for flowering plants - diluted to 1/2 the strength recommended on the label. Coral hibiscus thrives in fertile, slightly acid soil, but will adapt to most good garden soils which drain well and have been enriched with compost. Most growers advocate pruning it yearly to encourage blooming, while some state that pruning yearly will reduce flowering. Because this hibiscus grows so quickly, it should be fine to prune lightly occasionally, just to keep the plant from becoming lanky.

Propagation:

Hibiscus schizopetalus is propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings or by layering. Cuttings are slow to root and should be treated with a rooting hormone, and kept in humid conditions. It can also be propagated from seed.

Pests & Diseases:

The most common pest of Hibiscus is the hibiscus stem borer, a beetle that eats out the soft central core of mature branches, causing the branches to die back. Prune out the infected branches back to healthy growth and use a suitable systemic insecticide regularly to control this pest.

Hibiscus plants are also attacked by caterpillars, hibiscus beetle (holes in flowers), metallic flea beetle (holes in leaves); aphids, red spider, mealybug, scale and whitefly. It is also susceptible to rust, fungal leaf spots, bacterial blight, verticillium wilt, viruses, and stem and root rots; so keep a lookout and spray with an organic insecticide or fungicide if necessary.

Toxicity:

Although hibiscus flowers are generally considered safe for humans to eat; some types of hibiscus are toxic to dogs while others are not. While the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacusis) specifically is considered to be toxic to dogs, cats and horses, other species may cause toxic reactions as well, especially the flowers, although poisoning is usually mild. For safety's sake, keep your hibiscus plants away from pets. Eating plant matter, even nontoxic flowers, can cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhoea and vomiting if your pet ingests a large amount of it. Prevent issues by monitoring your dog around any plants, especially the hibiscus.

 Description, History & Interesting Facts:Carissa macrocarpa. Picture courtesy Lena Davis

This highly ornamental, evergreen shrub or small tree is indigenous to South Africa and grows wild along the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape coastlines; occurring on sand dunes and at the margins of coastal forest. It is hardy, adapts to a wide variety of garden conditions and is extremely easy-to-grow.

It is a slow starter, but grows quickly after the first season. If left un-pruned it will grow up to 5m tall and about 2m wide, but is usually clipped into a shrub about 2m tall.

It is planted for its leathery, dark green, waxy leaves that are a perfect backdrop for the white, sweetly scented, star-shaped flowers that occur sporadically throughout the year. The flowers will attract butterflies to your garden and are followed by delicious bright red fruits the size of a small plum and are relished by humans, and birds.

(Carissa macrocarpa 'Green Carpet') is a dwarf variety which makes an excellent groundcover; growing approximately 30 to 40cm tall and 60cm wide.

In the Garden & Home:

The fruit is rich in vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus and a delicious jelly, called "Amatungulu Jelly" is made from the fruit.

The plant produces long, sharp spines that are neatly forked and are an identifying characteristic for the genus. These thorns make it a first class impenetrable hedge; allowing neither man nor animal through it. To grow a hedge, plant out about 1m apart. The Large Num-num is an ideal subject for formal topiaries . 

It's not only a superb looking shrub, its leathery leaves are also fire resistant, and the Num-num is recommended to plant in regions prone to wildfires.

Plant it in the mixed shrub border or train it into a small tree. It also grows easily in containers, and makes a wonderful bonsai specimen.

The Num-num excretes a sticky, non-toxic, milky sap when clipped and this can be quite messy, but the beauty and versatility of this plant far outweighs this drawback.

Carissa macrocarpa Flowers. Picture courtesy Peter RichardsonCultivation/Propagation:

The large num-num thrives in moist, subtropical regions and grows near the sea, enduring wind, heat and salt spray. It grows well in the Western Cape; and is hardy to moderate frost if it is planted in a protected position in the garden.

This plant will tolerate moderate drought once established but does better if watered during dry spells. It is a slow starter, but grows quickly after the first season.

. The Large Num-num loves full sun but will grow in semi-shade. It will tolerate most garden soils but plant it in composted soil and feed with a balanced organic garden fertiliser occasionally in summer, for best results.

It is propagated by seed sown in autumn or from semi-hardwood cuttings, taken in spring.

Dovyalis caffra. Picture courtesy Rebecca AshDescription, History & Interesting Facts:

 This dense, spreading, indigenous plant varies in growth habit form from a shrub, growing about 3 m tall, or an 8m tall tree with a thick crown, 2.5 to 3.5m wide. At the coast it occurs in hot, dry habitats in scrub, bush and dune forests. Inland it occurs in open bush, often in acacia woodland and near termite mounds. It is very common in the Eastern Cape and is also found in the Transkei, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Gauteng and the Northern Province. 

The creamy-green flowers appear in summer and are sweetly-scented but not particularly attractive, but the bright orange-yellow fruit puts on quite a show in late summer. They are relished by humans, monkeys, baboons, antelope and other mammals. Birds such as louries and the black-eyed bulbuls love the fruits. 

Plants are dioecious, which is to say, they have female and male flowers on separate plants. Only female plants bear fruit, so a few specimens should be planted to ensure a supply of fruits.

Uses:

The use of fruits from indigenous plants is receiving more and more prominence due to the opportunities it presents to rural based economies. 

The fruit is rich in vitamin C and makes a great tasting jelly or jam.

The Kei Apple has light green leaves that are thick and shiny and are often used as fodder for livestock.

The stems and branches are armed with spines between 3 and 5cm long, making it a perfect barrier plant for farms and large properties.

Older specimens often have corky bark that is deeply fissured. The timber is white and heavy and is suitable for craft work.

In the Garden:

The roots are non-aggressive and will not damage foundations and pathways. The Kei Apple is a very useful plant to grow as a hedge or screen in regions where low rainfall, and hot days, followed by cold nights, make gardening difficult. To grow as a hedge plant about 1m apart and prune as required. It is also a popular bonsai tree.

Cultivation/Propagation:

Kei Apple Fruit. Picture courtesy Tatiana GerusAlthough the Kei Apple thrives in full sun in the warm coastal areas of the country it will withstand drought and moderate frost once established. Protect young plants from frost and water regularly until they are established. This evergreen will lose most of its leaves in winter, in cold regions.

It loves sandy, well-drained soil but will grow in any garden soil that drains well. Give it an application of complete organic fertiliser in spring. 

The Kei-apple is easily propagated from seed but the fruits must be ripe before they are collected. Clean the seed and allow it to dry before planting. Sow into well drained soil, pressing it into the soil until it is level with the surface of the soil and then cover with fine layer of sand. Fresh seeds will germinate within 21 to 31 days.  It is also easily propagated from hardwood cuttings.

Dodonaea viscosa. Picture courtesy Roger HootonDescription, History & Interesting Facts:

The Sand Olive is indigenous to South Africa but its centre of origin is believed to be Australia, where it occurs in all the states. It is widely distributed throughout the southern hemisphere, extending to sub-tropical and tropical areas of the northern hemisphere.

It grows wild along both the east and west coasts of South Africa and is known for its resiliency and tenacity, tolerating a wide range of growing conditions. This plant is highly variable in growth habit, depending on the climate in which it is grown and occurs as a small to large, multi-stemmed shrub; or a small tree with a single stem. It is a prolific colonising species and is one of the first plants to establish itself on disturbed ground. 

(Dodonaea thunbergianna) is a smaller species that is very similar in appearance.

Uses:

Dodonaea viscose leaves are sold in local markets for medicinal purposes in South Africa. It is used as an herbal remedy for many ailments and an infusion of the roots was used by the Hottentots in the treatment of fevers. The roots are taken by women in East Africa to stimulate milk production after giving birth and to treat dysmenorrhoea and irregular menstruation.

Its uses in traditional medicine, is reflected in some of the plant's pharmacological properties. Essential oils and extracts from the leaves showed antibacterial and hypotensive activities. The isolated coumarin fraxetin has attracted attention as an anti-oxidant, and in tests with mice it displayed analgesic properties.

Dodonaea viscosa has many uses in traditional medicine worldwide and is administered orally or as poultice to treat a great variety of ailments. Trachoma is treated with applications of leaf juice and the leaves are used to relieve itching. A lotion is made to treat sprains, bruises, burns and wounds. Powdered leaves are given to expel roundworms and stem or leaf infusions are used to treat sore throats. Root infusions are used to treat colds and the stems and leaves are used to treat fever. Digestive system disorders like indigestion, ulcers, diarrhoea and constipation are treated with an orally-administered decoction of either the leaves or roots. Always consult your physician before starting a home treatment programme.

Dodonaea viscosa. Picture courtesy Roger HootonIn the Garden:

In the garden it can be grown as a shrub or small tree, making it perfect for small gardens. The summer flowers are insignificant but the papery, three-winged seed pods are extremely attractive, starting off green and shading to a reddish-burgundy and then to brown and tan. It has shiny, bright green, sticky leaves and a blackish bark. Planted in the mixed shrubbery border, it will add both interest and colour. It makes a great specimen tree and is often used as an informal screen or hedge.

Cultivation/Propagation:

Known for its resiliency and tenacity, the Sand Olive grows in gardens throughout the country. It thrives in hot, dry regions and is hardy to all but extremely severe frost.

It is a good choice to plant in exposed, windy sites; both inland and at the coast and grows in alkaline, well-drained, sandy soil but will grow in any well drained garden soil.

It loves full sun but will also grow in light shade. If watered regularly in the garden and left un-pruned, it will grow quickly to about 5m tall and 2.5m wide.

 Prune it when the seed pods fade, to keep it smaller. For best results in the garden water it moderately during dry spells and feed it with a balanced organic fertiliser in spring.

Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings in spring.