Murraya exoticaDid you know that in the frost-free regions of the world Murraya paniculata has become invasive and naturalised itself quickly. In South Africa it is no different and this plant is classified as a Category 1b invasive species in in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga? However, it is not listed as invasive elsewhere, and if you still wish to plant it in these regions, you may.

Sterile cultivars or hybrids are not listed as invasive, so if you wish to plant this shrub, ensure that you purchase it from a reputable garden centre.

If you are concerned, click here to read more

Condensed Version:

Orange Jasmine  is a really handsome medium-sized to large evergreen shrub with gorgeous glossy, deep green leaves that emit a citrusy aroma when crushed, and its clusters of sweetly scented pure white flowers smell like orange blossoms. Flowering occurs mainly in spring, but plants can flower sporadically throughout the year. The flowers are followed by vibrant, orange to vermilion berries in autumn, standing out beautifully from the dark foliage. Under optimal conditions it can grow moderately fast, developing into a large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree +- 7m tall. In colder regions, it grows much slower, reaching +-2 to 3m tall with a spread of about 1.5 to 2m.

Orange jasmine grows best in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate, frost-free areas, and is not suited to very hot, dry regions. It grows well in coastal gardens if it is protected from strong winds, and is semi-hardy to frost if it is planted in a protected position in the garden. In hotter regions plant it in semi-shade or in morning sun, and in cooler regions it will even grow in full sun.

It tolerates most well-drained soil types, but favours limestone areas. For good results in the garden, plant it in well-drained soil with lots of added compost and a dressing of bone-meal. Water regularly, especially during hot, dry spells, mulch the roots to conserve moisture, and feed in early spring with a balanced organic fertiliser.

Full Version:

Description, History & Interesting Facts:

Orange Jasmine (Murraya paniculata 'Exotica') is a handsome evergreen which has been widely planted in warmer parts of the world, and in South Africa. It is a close relative of the citrus family and a really handsome medium-sized to large evergreen shrub with gorgeous glossy, deep green leaves that emit a citrusy aroma when crushed. Even its clusters of sweetly scented pure white flowers smell like orange blossoms, hence the common name "Orange Jasmine." Flowering occurs mainly in spring, but plants can flower sporadically throughout the year. The fragrance is especially strong at night, and on humid evenings, and the flowers are followed by vibrant, orange to vermilion berries in autumn, standing out beautifully from the dark foliage.

Murraya paniculata is a tropical plant native to southern China, the Indian sub-continent, south-eastern Asia, and northern Australia. Under optimal conditions it can grow moderately fast, developing into a large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree +- 7m tall. In colder regions, it grows much slower, reaching +-2 to 3m tall with a spread of about 1.5 to 2m. If left unpruned, after 5 to 10 years it can reach a height of 4m with an equal spread.

Uses:

Murraya paniculata is used in traditional medicine as an analgesic (pain killer.) The wood is used to make small items like tool handles.

In the Garden:

Because the enchanting orange jasmine produces taproots with lateral roots and abundant fine roots, it won't damage your paving etc. And because it is relatively slow growing and does not require constant pruning, it is ideal for gardens large and small. Its glossy leaves and pure white flowers will liven up any shady garden, and its delightful scent makes orange jasmine essential for all scented and cottage gardens. The foliage is even sought-after for flower arranging, so if you are planting a picking garden, add orange jasmine to your plant list.

Because it thrives in semi-shade and  is ideal to plant in front of an east facing wall, where it will catch the full morning sun, but escape the harsh midday and afternoon sun, orange jasmine is a perfect companion plant for other lovers of sun to semi-shade, including: Hydrangea, Fuchsia,  Camellia, Azalea (Rhododendron) and the Forest Bell Bush (Mackaya bella.)

Orange jasmine is bushy and responds well to pruning, making it suitable for medium to large formal, semi-formal or informal hedges, and for topiary. It grows quite happily in a container, makes a great bonsai plant, and is also available as a standard plant.

Cultivation/Propagation:

Orange jasmine grows best in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate, frost-free areas, and is not suited to very hot, dry regions. It grows well in coastal gardens if it is protected from strong winds, and is semi-hardy to frost if it is planted in a protected position in the garden. In hotter regions plant it in semi-shade or in morning sun, and in cooler regions it will even grow in full sun.

Orange Jasmine tolerates most well-drained soil types, chalky, loamy and sandy; acid, alkaline and neutral soils, but favours limestone areas. For good results in the garden, plant it in well-drained soil with lots of added compost and a dressing of bone-meal. Water regularly, especially during hot, dry spells, mulch the roots to conserve moisture, and feed in early spring with a balanced organic fertiliser.

This shrub is usually propagated from seed or from semi-ripe cuttings taken in late summer and autumn.

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

In the garden, orange jasmine is relatively disease and pest free, but it is vulnerable to soil nematodes, scales, and sooty mould. If cultivated under cover or in greenhouses it is also susceptible to red spider mites and whitefly.

It is the preferred host to the insect pest Diaphorina citri, the citrus psyllid. This psyllid is the vector for the citrus greening disease

Warning:

We could not find Murraya paniculata on any poisonous lists for pets or humans.

Pavetta lanceolata Description, History & Interesting Facts:

The genus Pavetta is a large family of plants that are native to the warm areas of Africa, Asia and Australia. It comprises of about 400 species from the Old World tropics. In South Africa there are about 24 species, all of which grow in the summer rainfall regions of the country.

They belong to the gardenia (katjiepiering) family of plants and are grown for their sweetly scented flowers in summer. The flowers are full of nectar, attracting many insect pollinators, which in turn attract insect eating birds; and the clusters of fruits are relished by fruit eating birds. In the past the flowers were probably used in traditional wedding ceremonies, hence their common names. Several species are cultivated in gardens; including P. lanceolata, P. revoluta, P. cooperi and P. gardeniifolia. All species have small black dots on the leaves. These are bacterial nodes that fix nitrogen from the air, in much the same way as the roots of legumes fix nitrogen from the soil in their roots.

Pavetta lanceolata is a delightful South African plant which is fairly common in the summer rainfall regions; occurring from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal and Swaziland, as well as Limpopo and Mpumalanga. It can usually be found on forest margins and river banks, or in bushveld; where it grows together with other plants.

It is loved for its masses of sweetly scented, starry white flowers with ivory styles; adding to its dainty appearance. The flowers can appear as early as September to January, but the peak flowering time is during November and December. The flowers are followed by dense clusters of black fruits. The bark is greyish-white and the leaves are a pleasing, glossy dark green.

In the Garden:

The weeping brides bush has a slightly weeping habit and can be trained into a small tree or shrub. It looks beautiful if planted alone as a specimen plant, or closely together as an informal hedge or screen. It is essential in the mixed shrub border and looks most effective if two or three plants are grouped together. It is highly recommended for small gardens and will attract sunbirds and butterflies to your garden.

Cultivation/Propagation:

The weeping brides bush is evergreen and grows best in warm, moist areas; growing well in coastal gardens and taking humidity. It varies greatly in height and spread, depending on climate. Under optimal conditions it can grow between 4 and 7m tall; but in the average garden it will vary between 2 to 4m tall.

It is tender to frost, but will grow surprisingly well in moderate frost regions if planted in the perfect position in the garden, where it is protected, and is covered every winter, until well established.

The weeping brides bush loves to grow in semi-shade to sun, but when the plants are young they will appreciate shade during the hottest time of the day. Once established they can take full sun. For best results, plant them in good, well-drained soil and water them well initially and regularly thereafter, as these plants are not very drought tolerant.

They can be pruned lightly once they have finished blooming.

Plants are propagated easily by seed or cuttings.

Caution:

Pavetta are poisonous and contain an unidentified toxin which causes myocarditis and sudden death due to acute heart failure.The condition is also known as gousiekte, hence the common name for P. schumannianii (poisonous bride's bush). Two species in the genus; P.harborii and P. Schumannianii, are known to be poisonous to stock.

Pyracantha 'Orange Charmer'Pyracantha and Cotoneaster are beautiful shrubs which belong to the Rosaceae, or Rose family. In South Africa, species of northern temperate origin were introduced as garden ornamentals, and in certain regions they thrived, and their invasiveness quickly became apparent. Read more below about the various species.

Invasive species are controlled by the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA), and both Cotoneaster and Pyracantha have been classified as Category 1b: Invasive species which must be controlled and wherever possible, removed and destroyed. Any form of trade or planting is strictly prohibited.

These plants have invaded southern African grasslands, cliff-lines, and watercourses, and because these woody species often form complex Rosaceae thickets, and are large compared to our native grasses they transform the vegetation structure by providing too much shade, posing a serious threat to high elevation grassland ecosystems. Rosaceae species are particularly easy to identify in temperate and montane grasslands in autumn and winter, due to their fruits being highly visible against a brown winter landscape.

The high elevation grasslands of South Africa are key biodiversity hotspots with high plant endemism, and need to be protected. The grassland biome is also extremely valuable to the economy as it provides half of the country’s water run-off.

Pyracantha and Cotoneaster are related and look very similar, except that Pyracantha has serrated leaves and numerous thorns, while Cotoneaster is thorn-less, with smooth leaf margins.

Cotoneaster (Rosaceae)                                                                                     

Many different species of Cotoneaster became popular garden ornamentals in South African for their attractive clusters of red berries, and were especially popular as hedging plants. However, in recent years, five have been declared as invasive aliens. These trees originated from Asia and are spread by birds feeding on the berries. Cape White-eyes have a predilection for the berries, and Black-eyed Bulbuls, Black-headed Orioles, Red-winged Starlings, Speckled Mousebirds and Olive Thrushes feast on them too.

Unless removed, they can form dense stands which shade out indigenous plants. They reduce available grazing land, and when eaten in quantity, the berries are toxic to animals. This plant is a particular problem in the Western Cape, and it’s hard to get rid of it once you have it. Even if you remove the shrubs, seedlings continue to pop up all over the garden, and if these are not removed, before long you will once again have a forest of fully-fledged trees.

Large-leaved Cotoneaster, Bloudwergmispel (Cotoneaster glaucophyllus)

Click here to see google images of Cotoneaster glaucophyllus

This spineless, upright or arching shrub from China and the Himalayas usually grows between 3 to 5m tall with many branching stems. The leaves are elliptic to ovate, with smooth, dark green upper surfaces, and the lower surfaces of young leaves are greyish-green and covered in whitish hairs. Mature leaves are hairless with pale green or slightly bluish-green undersides. Clusters of white flowers appear in spring or summer, and are followed by glossy clusters of poisonous, scarlet or orange-red berries. This species can also act as a host for a disease called “bacterial fire blight” which is common in orchards.

The large-leaved cotoneaster is a significant environmental weed, especially in Gauteng and Limpopo, but also in KZN. It is spread by birds, and is often washed very far away along watercourses. It often forms dense thickets under tall trees, shading indigenous ground flora.

Silver Leaf Cotoneaster, Silwerdwergmispel, Dwergmispel, ukotini (Cotoneaster pannosus)

Click here to see Google Images of Cotoneaster pannosus

The silver leaf cotoneaster comes from China, and is admired for its gracefully arching unarmed branches which reach up to 3m high. The hairy leaves are a dull green, and the small branchlets and lower surfaces of the leaves are white or yellowish, and velvety in texture. It was especially popular for its lovely white flowers in early spring or summer, followed by showy clusters of deep red berries. Birds love the berries and spread the plant further afield.

In South Africa it is very problematic in the Free State, where it competes with, and has the potential to replace indigenous species, and is invading grasslands, forest margins, kloofs, river banks, and rocky outcrops. Dense stands of this plant can reduce grazing available for both domestic and wild animals.

Pyracantha (Rosaceae)

Pyracantha is a genus of large thorny evergreen shrubs in the family Rosaceae, with about 10 species, native to south China, Asia Minor and Europe.

They were introduced and planted as garden ornamentals in many parts of the world, and sadly in many places they thrived and quickly naturalized. Pyracantha can form dense thickets that compete with native vegetation and also impede the movement of animals and people, and because birds love the berries and disperse the seeds far and wide, several species have histories as weeds in the United States, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

Pyracanthas favour habitats like riparian areas, where they form dense stands next to streams which run through dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands. Sclerophyll type vegetation is adapted to long periods of dryness and heat, and closely associated with low soil fertility. This type of vegetation typically features plants which have hard, short and often spiky leaves with short internodes, and leaf orientation which is parallel or oblique to direct sunlight. It is the dominant plant form in regions with a Mediterranean climate, like the winter rainfall regions of the Western Cape.

Orange Firethorn (Pyracantha angustifolia)

Click here to see Google Images of Pyracantha angustifolia

This evergreen shrub from South-western China can grow 2 to 4m high with stiff, spiny branches. The young shoots are covered in thick, yellowish down and the leaves are a dull, dark-green above and grey and downy beneath. The clusters of white flowers are followed by orange-red or orange-yellow berries which are poisonous. Various cultivars have been developed for sale as garden ornamentals, including the cultivar ‘Orange Charmer’ which has masses of decorative orange berries.

It started invading the grassland biome of South Africa in the early 1980’s, and is now widespread in the temperate grasslands of the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga Provinces, as well as in the adjacent countries of Lesotho, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe.

Pyracantha angustifolia has also naturalised in Canada, Columbia, England, France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Russia, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, the French Polynesian Islands, the United States of America, and Hawaii.

Pyracantha angustifolia competes with and replaces indigenous species, forming dense stands that become virtually impenetrable, restricting access to both domestic and wild animals. Also, it is believed that our indigenous birds might neglect the dispersal of indigenous plant species in favour of the fruits of this alien species.

Formosa Firethorn (Pyracantha koidzumii)

Click here to see Google Images of Pyracantha koidzumii

The formosa firethorn from South China, Asia Minor and Europe, is another invasive. This evergreen has spiny branches and glossy green leaves, with the undersides sparsely hairy when young. The margin is slightly scalloped, and the leaf blades are at their widest below the middle. White flowers appear in spring, followed by bright red berries.

It is especially problematic in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal.

Himalayan Firethorn (Pyracantha crenulata)

Click here to see Google Images of Pyracantha crenulata

The Himalayan firethorn from Western China is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It has spiny branches bearing simple hairless leaves with dark green upper surfaces that are glossy in appearance. The clusters of small creamy-white flowers are followed by showy red, orange or yellow berries that look like tiny apples.

In South Africa is particularly problematic in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Northern Cape, Limpopo, Free State and Eastern Cape.

See under Trees

Syzygium paniculatum flowersDescription, History & Interesting Facts:

Syzygium is a genus of flowering evergreen trees and shrubs that belong to the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). It has approximately 1100 species, and a native range that extends from Africa and Madagascar through southern Asia east through the Pacific; with its highest levels of diversity occurring from Malaysia to north-eastern Australia.

The most important species economically is the clove (Syzygium aromaticum), whose unopened flower buds are an important spice. Syzigiums were once classified as Eugenia, but the latter genus has its highest specific diversity in the neo-tropics. Neo-tropical plants come from the biogeographic region of the New World that stretches southward from the Tropic of Cancer and includes southern Mexico, Central and South America, and the West Indies. There are about 50 species in Australia, where they are generally called lilly pilly, brush cherries or satinash. The species formerly known as Eugenia australis is now regarded as two separate species, Syzygium australe and S. paniculatum.

In its natural habitat this evergreen tree provides food for many creatures. Bees surround the tree when it is in bloom, and later in the year, its fruit is eaten by birds during the daytime, and fox bats and possums during the night.

These evergreen rainforest plants with their glossy green leaves, attractive flowers and ornamental fruits have become one of the most popular garden plants in Australia today, particularly for hedging and topiary, and a few produce edible fruit that is eaten fresh or used in jams and jellies. Syzygiums are also popular bonsai trees.

Syzygium paniculatum Berries(Syzygium paniculatum) is endemic to New South Wales, of Australia's east coast; occurring in littoral and subtropical rainforests of the central coast of New South Wales. A littoral rainforest is similar to a subtropical rainforest, but occurs close to the sea where it is exposed to salt laden winds, usually on nutrient enriched deep sands or soils derived from slates and basalts. This species is uncommon in the wild and is a threatened species with "vulnerable" status. It is at serious risk of disappearing from the wild within one or two decades if current land use continues. It is widely planted in Australia and is known as an edible wild fruit which can be eaten fresh, although the flesh has little taste, or made into jams and jellies.

This shapely evergreen tree or shrub has glossy, dark green leaves which are paler below, and the new growth is an attractive bronzy-red. In early summer, it bears masses of fluffy, creamy white flowers, followed in late summer by clusters of very attractive edible magenta fruits. In the ideal conditions of the rainforests the Australian brush cherry can develop into a broad, dense tree +-15m tall with a spread of +-6 to 8m, but in the garden, if left un-pruned it generally grows +-5 to 8m tall and 4 to 6m wide; depending on climate and rainfall.

(Syzygium paniculatum compacta) is a dwarf variety with a rounded form and bronzy-red new foliage, throughout the year. It produces creamy-white flowers in summer, followed by rosy-purple fruit. It is a tender plant and will not tolerate much cold and frost, but will grow beautifully in containers, which can easily be moved to a warmer location, or covered in winter. Mature plant size will vary according to growing conditions and climate, +-2m tall with an equal spread.

In the Garden:

Because it responds well to trimming, the Australian brush cherry is widely used for topiary and formal hedges. It also makes a wonderful informal hedging or screening plant, and a good windbreak at the coast.  It does well in a container and is available as a standard plant.

Cultivation/Propagation:

This evergreen thrives in the warm, moist, frost free, and coastal areas of the country. It will tolerate moderate frost once established if it is planted in a sheltered part of the garden and is covered and mulched when young. In dry summer rainfall regions and in the winter rainfall regions it will need regular watering in summer to look at its best.

The Australian brush cherry prefers full sun but will tolerate light shade, and although it prefers a deep, moist, fertile, well-drained soil, it is adaptable to most garden soils; including clay.

Propagation is usually carried out from fresh seed, either by sowing the fruits whole or after removing the flesh. Germination may be slow and spasmodic. You could also gather up seedlings which spring up near a Brush cherry growing in the garden. The species can also be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer, and layering.

WARNING: Edible species of Syzygium are planted throughout the tropics worldwide, and several have become invasive species in some island ecosystems. In South Africa, under ideal conditions, Syzygium paniculatum will seed itself all over the garden and is starting to invade our savanna, forest edges, coastal bush and riverbanks, as well as open urban spaces. It is listed on Table X which is a list of proposed weeds and invader plants of South Africa. Because the seeds are spread by birds, in regions where it is a threat it would be best to continually trim the plants to prevent them from flowering and fruiting.

Philadelphus coronariusJust like other fashions, be it clothing, paint colour schemes etc. plants also go in and out of fashion, and the beautiful old fashioned ‘Mock Orange’ has now become harder to find in South Africa. This is also due to the economy and COVID which has forced many growers to reduce their range dramatically. I have left it in my Plant Index for identification purposes because there may still be a few garden centres that still propagate and sell it, and many old established gardens still have it growing. If you do find one, take cuttings, they grow very easily. 

Description, History & Interesting Facts:

Philadelphus coronarius is probably the most widely grown of all the philadelphus species. It is a tough drought-resistant species from southern Europe and the Caucasus which has been cultivated for centuries, and is the source of many fine garden varieties.

It will grow +-2.5 to 3m tall and +-1.5 to 2m wide, and it is an extremely free flowering deciduous plant, producing single white, heavily perfumed flowers, which will fill the air with their fragrance. The blooms are produced on gracefully arching canes in late spring and early summer.

'Aureus' is a form, with bright golden leaves that turn a soft greenish gold in summer; providing valuable colour and contrast in the border throughout summer. The leaves are slightly tender and need protection from both late frosts and full scorching sunlight. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit.

In the Garden:

The mock orange is a popular ornamental which is used as a single specimen plant, as well as an informal hedging plant. For an informal hedge about 1.5 to 2m tall, space your plants +-60 to 90cm apart.

Cultivation/Propagation:

The mock orange grows well throughout the country, and especially in temperate regions where it is  also hardy to frost. It does not do well in extremely dry, hot, or humid regions. 

The mock orange can be planted in full sun or semi-shade; and it will adapt to most garden soils, tolerating chalky alkaline soils, clay and heavy clay, as well as dry, or light, well-drained soils. It thrives in dry soils, and once established, is quite drought tolerant.

For best results in the garden, plant it in composted soil, protect it from strong wind and water it regularly in summer, but do not overwater.

Prune it heavily after it has flowered, thinning out the old wood, but retaining the young shoots, as they will bear flowers nest season. 

Plants can be propagated from woody stem cuttings, by dividing the root-ball, or by layering. Seed can be collected from the dry pods.

Eeleagnus x ebbingeiDescription, History & Interesting Facts:

The Oleaster is a garden hybrid Elaeagnus that is renowned for its toughness and adaptability. It will grow quite quickly to 3 to 4m tall with a spread almost as wide, but it can be trained to grown as a large shrub or as a small tree and is popular worldwide for the brilliance of its foliage.

The long leaves are a dark silvery green with a brilliant gold edging of variable width, and the silver coloured undersides look particularly lovely when the wind blows the leaves to expose the undersides. Small but highly scented flowers appear in autumn and are followed by small orange fruits in spring.

In the Garden:

Elaeagnus make excellent hedging plants if they are planted close together and clipped twice a year for a formal finish. They can be clipped into almost any shape and make great topiary plants. They grow well in large pots and the leaves are popular with florists.

Cultivation:

Eleagnus 'Gilt Edge' is a tough evergreen plant that grows very well in the summer rainfall regions and is very cold hardy. It also does well in the winter rainfall regions; withstanding the dry summers and wet winters. Water it regularly in hot, dry regions.

This plant does well in seaside gardens and tolerates wind and humidity. It thrives in full sun but also can be planted in semi-shade; and in humid coastal regions it can be grown in quite a lot of shade.

Although it will tolerate dry and impoverished soil, plant it in good well-drained soil, water it regularly . Prune it regularly to keep it in shape. If left un-pruned it will become very large and bushy.

Photinia 'Red Robin'Description, History & Interesting Facts:

Photinia is a family of Asian and North American shrubs, which includes a group of evergreen hybrids grown specifically for their colourful young foliage.

'Red Robin' is a hybrid whose parents are native to Japan, producing brilliant red new growth. As the new growth matures it passes through shades of reddish-copper, eventually maturing to a rich glossy, dark green. Small creamy-white flowers appear in large, flat-domed clusters, in mid and late spring. They contrast nicely with the new bronzy-red young leaves - as the flowers open, the leaves turn green. Sometimes the flowers are followed by red fruit. This plant will grow fairly quickly, varying in height and spread from 3 to 6m tall and 3 to 6m wide. 

In the Garden:

'Red Robin' makes a fantastic hedging and topiary plant that can be pruned to form large formal hedges. If you clip it lightly as soon as the colour in the young growth begins to fade away in spring, the plant will produce more red growth, and if you keep clipping you can get red growth right through summer and into autumn.

Its dense growth serves as an effective barrier that is both beautiful and functional. If left to grow naturally it will develop into a round-shaped shrub that retains foliage right down to the ground. Planted in a mixed shrub border it will add considerable interest, with its contrasting foliage.

By pruning out the lower branches, individual shrubs can be trained into small trees.

'Red Robin' is recommended as a fire retardant plant in Australia.

Cultivation/Propagation:

It grows best in regions that receive good summer rainfall, but will grow in drier regions if it can be watered regularly. It withstands intense heat and grows well in coastal regions.

This plant needs some chilling in winter, and does not thrive in tropical conditions. It is hardy to frost, but in cold regions it is advisable to plant it in a protected part of the garden, because the young growth can sometimes be caught by late frosts. Mulching the roots in winter will also help to protect the roots from freezing.

'Red Robin' thrives in full sun but will take some shade. Ensure that the soil drains well, avoiding soggy spots, and water moderately during dry spells. Mulch the roots to keep them cool in summer, especially in hot, dry regions. Fertilise in spring and summer with a balanced organic fertiliser.

The plant may be pruned anytime in spring or summer, to shape it or to control its size.

Propagation is from semi-hardwood cuttings.

Cycas revoluta. Picture courtesy Karl Gercens. Visit his flickr photostreamDescription, History & Interesting Facts:

The durability and indestructibility of Cycas revoluta is legendary. They not only outlived the dinosaurs, but the adverse forces of nature and the oversights of mankind!  They are one of the most primitive living seed plants and are related to conifers and Ginko trees. These cone bearing plants are often called "living fossils" because they have changed very little in the last 200 million years, and can be traced back to the ancient flora of the early Mesozoic era.  Cycas revoluta is native to southern Japan and is also called the king sago palm, or sago palm; but actually it is a cycad and not a palm at all.

It is very slow growing and this evergreen can reach large proportions with time; but in the garden, give it about 2 to 3m to spread. It is one of the most widely cultivated cycads that is grown for its rugged trunk and symmetrical crown of large, dark green leathery leaves. It develops a bare stem as it ages and old specimens can branch multiple times, producing multiple heads of leaves. 

Sago palms produce a periodic "flush" of new leaves, called a "break". These emerge all at once in a circular pattern and are very tender, until they begin to harden several weeks later. Do not disturb or re-pot the plant during this process and do not allow the plant to become excessively dry; otherwise new foliage may wither and die or become yellow and stunted. Eventually, offsets begin to grow at the base of older plants, and occasionally in the crown. The addition of offsets provides a source of new plants and many possibilities for developing a unique specimen.

In the Garden:

Use it in the garden as a bold accent plant and to add a tropical look to your garden. The Japanese Sago Palm is used extensively to complement modern architecture in office parks and homes. It is a favourite subject for Bonsai beginners in Japan and grows beautifully in pots.

Cultivation:

Cycas revoluta is one of the easiest plants to grow and is widely planted in warm temperate and subtropical regions, but is hardy to moderate frost, if the soil is kept on the dry side in winter.  It will grow in semi-shade or full sun and requires fertile but very well drained soil. 

The Japanese Sago Palm is fairly drought tolerant and prefers to be on the dry side, rather than too wet. If drainage is poor the plant could rot. Water it judiciously during dry spells and plant it slightly above the soil line. Do not plant it in a hole or depression which retains water or is swampy.

Re-potting is best done in winter or early spring, but remember that Cycads prefer to be root bound and should be re-potted into a container only slightly larger than the root system. If roots are trimmed for bonsai use, remove a comparable amount of lower leaves.

A good balanced organic fertiliser can be applied in spring and again in late summer. Too little plant food is far better than too much.

Old leaves turn yellow from over watering or too much fertilizer, and if If new leaves emerge yellow or distorted, then you have probably been over or under fertilizing. Cut them off immediately so that the Cycad will start making a new set of leaves. 

Once leaves turn yellow or brown, they should be removed from the plant. 

Transplanting or moving Cycads can be successful if a few guidelines are followed. Do this in winter or early spring when they are not actively growing.

First remove all but the uppermost ring of leaves, because you will damage some roots in the transplanting process and the remaining roots will not be able to support them. For large plants, tie the leaves together at the top with some rope, to make moving them easier. Using a shovel, gently crowbar the plant out of the ground and move it immediately to a pre-dug hole that is slightly larger than the root-ball of the plant.

Centre the plant in the hole, ensuring that the soil level is slightly above the old one. Fill in with composted soil and firm the plant into the ground. Large specimens will need to be staked for awhile to keep them from falling over. Water when the soil becomes almost totally dry but never overwater at this stage. If transplanting is successful, new leaves should emerge by summer, but often it can take a year or two before the plant resumes active growth. 

Propagation:

Propagation of Cycas revoluta is either by seed or by removal of basal offsets called "pups." Cycads are dioecious, having separate male and female plants. The female produces a huge golden flower which slowly opens when it is fertile, then closes and begins to produce viable seed, if pollination from a male was successful. The male produces a golden cone, shaped like a giant pine cone. When the females flower and the males produce cones, pollination can be done by hand. The timing of pollination can be somewhat critical. The female flower will open when it is ready to receive pollen, and the scales on the male cones will open to reveal pollen and release a sweet odour.  At this point, snap or saw off the male cone from the centre of the plant and shake it over the female. A cone has plenty of pollen and can be used on several females at a time, for several days in a row. Mature specimens will flower only every second or third year. Unfortunately there is no way of telling if a young plant is a male or female.

The seeds will slowly develop during the summer until they become the size of a walnut, turning from yellow to bright orange in the winter. They will be ready to be removed the following year. Seeds that are ready to harvest will be easy to pull off the plant. Remove the orange skin by soaking the seeds in a bucket of water for a few days, changing the water every day. Peel off the skin, using gloves to prevent your hands from turning orange. If the skin won't come off t plant it with the skin on. If a seed is tiny or floats when placed in water it is infertile and won't sprout.

Plant sago seeds on their side. To demonstrate this, take a handful, drop them on a soft floor and watch how they fall. They will fall on their sides, just like they would if they fell from the mother plant in the wild. Press the seeds 2/3 of the way into the soil; only the top flat side of the seed should peek out of the soil. Plant the seeds into well drained soil and place the pots in a shaded position outdoors, as the new leaves can scorch in too much sun. Water when the soil becomes dry. You do not want to keep them constantly wet, yet you do not want them to dry out completely either. Germination can take up to 4 months, depending on the time they are sown.  Seed can be stored for several months in a cool, dry place. Before planting, soak in a bucket of water for a day to re-moisturize the hard ivory seed coat.

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

Yellow leaves usually indicate incorrect watering or fertilising.

Rotting can occur in soils which do not drain well and if the plant is overwatered.

Watch out for scale insects and mealy bugs, and spray with a mineral oil or organic solution, but be careful to follow the directions on the container.  Always water the plant well the day before, and spray during the coolest part of the day.

Warning:

All parts of Cycas revoluta are extremely poisonous to both humans and animals if ingested. Pets are at particular risk since they seem to find the plant very palatable.

Clinical symptoms of ingestion will develop within 12 hours and may include vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, seizures, liver failure, or hepatotoxicity. Your pet may appear bruised; have nose bleeds or blood in the stool. If any quantity of the plant is ingested, a poison control centre or doctor should be contacted immediately. Effects of ingestion can include permanent internal damage and death.

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