Welcome to Gardening in South Africa!

 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.

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.

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.

See under Trees

See under Trees

See under Trees

See under Trees

See under Trees

Thamnochortus cinereus Description, History & Interesting Facts:

 Thamnochortus belongs to the Restionaceae family. Restio's are a magnificent group of architectural plants that are set to join grasses and bamboos as the new stars of the garden. Restionaceae, or restio's as they are commonly called, are an ancient plant family, probably dating as far back as the end of the Cretaceous period some 60 million years ago.

They are evergreen perennial, grass-like plants which occur mainly in the Southern Hemisphere; and can be found in Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Of the approximately 400 species identified worldwide, about 330 occur only in South Africa; in the fynbos of the Cape Floristic Region.  Protea, Erica and Restionaceae make up the three major groups identified with fynbos. After fires have raged through the fynbos, they are one of the first plants to regenerate from their underground rhizomes.

Restio's are related to sedges and grasses and vary greatly in height and spread, from 10cm up to 4m. In the wild they grow in sandy soil, close to water; alongside rivers and streams and in seasonal seepages, or where groundwater is present. Although the plants can grow in fairly wet conditions, they would not be suitable for a bog garden or at the edge of a pond, where the water is not moving underground.

Restio's do not attract many insects except for bees and ants because they are all wind pollinated, relying on the wind to carry the pollen from the male to the female plants. The seeds are black or very dark brown and on the outside of the seed is a protein-rich white part which is very attractive to ants. Once the seeds fall, they are immediately carried away by the ants to their nests. The ants eat away the protein, leaving the seed undamaged and safely stored away underground.

(Thamnochortus cinereus) Silver Reed, Silverriet.

Click here to see Google images of Thamnochortus cinereus

In the wild the silver reed is a common species on the southern slopes of coastal mountains, where the plants receive the mists and rain; and can be found growing from Port Elizabeth to Swellendam. In 1994 it was propagated and distributed by Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and has been grown in our gardens ever since.

Silver reed is a medium to tall restio, and one of the most striking and colourful, with its decorative grey-green and silvery foliage. Rich golden brown grass-like flowers appear from May to September, with both male and female stems rising well above the foliage; the male flowers have large showy silvery tassels.

Silver reed is essential in every fynbos garden and makes a wonderful accent plant for borders. If it is planted in large groups it makes a bold statement, and is perfect for large plantings in office parks etc. It also grows well in large containers on patios and decks.

The silver reed has a fairly small diameter at the base of the plant, from which the stems fan out to form a rounded shape, +-1m in height. The tall male inflorescences can reach a height of 1.5m above the foliage. This restio will tolerate quite cold temperatures if it is planted in a protected position and the roots are heavily mulched in autumn. It has been reported to have survived  temperatures as low as -7°C.

(Thamnochortus pellucidus) Dwarf Thatching Reed, Dwergriet.

Click here to see Google images of Thamnochortus pellucidus

This delightful dwarf version of T. insignis (Albertinia dekriet) and will grow +-80cm to 1m tall and +-50cm wide. It can be found growing on sandy, coastal forelands, from Gordons Bay to Bredasdorp, and is a compact plant with a 'skirt' of sterile branches covering the lower half of the plant. It produces showy golden-bronze and silver seeds and flower heads in summer, and the male and female flowers are clearly different. It grows in sandy acid soils, but will tolerate alkaline soil. This thatching reed looks most effective if planted in groups in the garden.

(Thamnochortus insignis) Albertinia Thatching Reed, Rooi Riet, Dekriet.

Click here to see Google images of Thamnochortus insignis

Albertinia thatching reed is probably the most well  known restio because it is regarded as one of the  best thatching species in the world, and is exported globally; especially to the East, Spain and America. Roofs covered with Albertinia reed, can last up to 70 years in dry conditions and 30 to 40 years in moist conditions. It is a stunning feature plant for large gardens, and is excellent in coastal gardens. Once established, it tolerates drought well.

In the wild it can be found growing in the southern Cape around Albertinia; and due to the transporting of the harvested culms for export, the seeds are being dispersed by the tyres of the transport trucks, and it can now be found growing in dense stands along the roadsides, from Port Elizabeth to the Cedarberg.

The plants are tall, reed-like tussocks that generally grow +-1.5m tall and +-2m wide, but can reach a mature height of up to 2.5m. At their base the plants will spread +-50cm to 1m wide, but their tops fan out widely, up to 3m or more. The flowers appear in summer, from January to February, and the seeds ripen in autumn. The male flowers produce large amounts of pollen which attracts myriads of bees to the plants. Plants grown from seed will only reach maturity after 3 years, but are long-lived; and culms can be harvested every five years. It will tolerate cold temperatures if it is planted in a protected position and the roots are heavily mulched in autumn.

(Thamnochortus spicigerus)

Click here to see Google images of Thamnochortus spicigerus

This handsome restio forms dense stands with spreading rhizomes (roots) and grows below 600m on sandy flats. It will grow +-1.5m tall and produces strong, thick culms. It is ideal for coastal gardens, tolerating harsh windy conditions. It makes a showy feature plant for large gardens and is stunning planted in large containers.

(Thamnochortus fraternis)

Click here to see Google images of Thamnochortus fraternis

Found in the coastal flats and limestone hills from the Overberg to False Bay. It has a handsome fountain shape and the dark russet-brown flower heads can reach +-1m in height. It looks lovely planted as a single specimen plant or in groups or drifts.

In the Garden:

In a fynbos garden these plants are water-wise and can form the backbone of the garden, in between the much shorter-lived Proteas and Ericas.

Although they love growing near water, restio's can be planted in ordinary garden beds, as long as they are watered regularly. If there is insufficient water the plants become smaller with a yellowish look.

The smaller species grow well in pots and are recommended for smaller gardens, while the taller species will form large dense clumps which are magnificent if used on large properties.

Restio's are architecturally stunning plants with a huge range of form and colour, making them spectacular yet elegant feature plants which are used where a vertical accent plant is needed.

They will bring a variety of shapes, textures and rich colours into your garden; ranging from a gorgeous golden-brown to chocolate and bronze, grey-green and silver. 

Uses:

The foliage of many species is exported globally for the cut flower industry and can be used fresh or dried.  There is a growing international market for these plants and the common names Rekoala and Bell Reed are used in the cut-flower industry of New Zealand. Only the finely branched stems are used and the most coveted part of the plant is the very beautiful young shoots, with their thick bamboo-like stems with distinct nodes, and cream to light green colour.

Cultivation/Propagation:

Naturally they thrive best in a frost-free Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers, and cool wet winters; and in these regions they are wonderful water-wise plants, requiring minimal watering once established. Many restios are adaptable to cold conditions, and due to their growing popularity overseas they are being tested for their frost hardiness. Many varieties have proved to be remarkably hardy, as long as their roots (rhizomes) are mulched very thickly in autumn to prevent them from freezing.

The best time for planting restio's in fynbos areas is from April to May, just before the winter  rains arrive. The plants will initially be a bit slow growing, but will have formed a handsome plant and started flowering two to three years after sowing. The plants renew themselves every year by producing a new crop of stems in the centre of the plant. The individual stems start to deteriorate during the third year, but by that time two new flushes of growth will already have appeared.

Like Proteas and Ericas, they prefer an open and well ventilated position in the garden; disliking small walled in areas where there is no breeze. They all thrive in full sun but will take some light shade. 

Although mature restio's can survive on very little water, newly planted specimens require regular irrigation for the first three months. After that a normal watering regime is best in order to provide lush growth and maintain the juvenile foliage over a longer period.

They prefer sandy, acid to neutral soil that is very well-drained, but will adapt to most well-drained garden soils. Only a very few species will tolerate alkalinity; Elegia capensis, Elegia elephantinum, Elegia filacea, Elegia tectorum,  Thamnochortus pellucidus, and Thamnochortus insignis are known to tolerate alkaline soils.

The roots (rhizomes) resent disturbance but large clumps can be carefully removed and divided, by cutting the plants into large clumps. Try to keep disturbance to a minimum and replant the divided clumps immediately.

The plants are best grown from seed, which has a fairly good germination rate when treated with smoke or 'Instant Smoke Plus' seed primer. Sow seed into very well-drained soil and remember that about half of the seeds will not be viable, so the seed can be sown quite thickly. Keep the trays in full sun where there is plenty of air movement. 

Fynbos seeds germinate significantly better when exposed to smoke from veld fires. Inside the seed packets of restios, you will find a piece of absorbent paper, impregnated with smoke based germination stimulants, similar to smoke from a real veld fire. Simply place the pink paper in a small amount of water. Place the seeds inside the water solution, making sure that all the seeds are covered. Soak the seeds in the solution for 24 hours before sowing.

Restio's respond well if fed with organic fertilizers like Seagro, Kelpak or Bounce Back during the growing season. If the plants are watered well but still become yellow, feed them with a high nitrogen organic fertiliser. Restio's are low-maintenance plants, requiring only regular removal of the brown, dead stems.

Problems, Pests & Diseases:

If they are planted and cared for correctly, restio's are very healthy, low maintenance plants, which look good all year round. They have almost no natural enemies and are virtually disease-free.

Description, History & Interesting Facts:

 Elegia capensis belongs to the Restionaceae family of plants. Restio's are a magnificent group of architectural plants that are set to join grasses and bamboos as the new stars of the garden. Restionaceae, or restio's as they are commonly called, are an ancient plant family, probably dating as far back as the end of the Cretaceous period some 60 million years ago. They are evergreen perennial, grass-like plants which occur mainly in the Southern Hemisphere; and can be found in Africa, South America, Australia and New Zealand. Of the approximately 400 species identified worldwide, about 330 occur only in South Africa; in the fynbos of the Cape Floristic Region. Protea, Erica and Restionaceae make up the three major groups identified with fynbos. After fires have raged through the fynbos, they are one of the first plants to regenerate from their underground rhizomes.

Restio's are related to sedges and grasses and vary greatly in height and spread, from 10cm up to 4m. In the wild they grow in sandy soil, close to water; alongside rivers and streams and in seasonal seepages, or where groundwater is present. Although the plants can grow in fairly wet conditions, they would not be suitable for a bog garden or at the edge of a pond, where the water is not moving underground.

Restio's do not attract many insects except for bees and ants because they are all wind pollinated, relying on the wind to carry the pollen from the male to the female plants. The seeds are black or very dark brown and on the outside of the seed is a protein-rich white part which is very attractive to ants. Once the seeds fall, they are immediately carried away by the ants to their nests. The ants eat away the protein, leaving the seed undamaged and safely stored away underground.

In the Garden:

Restio's are architecturally stunning plants with a huge range of form and colour, making them spectacular yet elegant feature plants which are used where a vertical accent plant is needed. They will bring a variety of shapes, textures and rich colours into your garden; ranging from a gorgeous golden-brown to chocolate and bronze, grey-green and silver. In a fynbos garden these plants are water-wise and can form the backbone of the garden, in between the much shorter-lived proteas and ericas.

Although they love growing near water, restio's can be planted in ordinary garden beds, as long as they are watered regularly. If there is insufficient water the plants become smaller with a yellowish look. The smaller species grow well in pots and are recommended for smaller gardens, while the taller species will form large dense clumps which are magnificent if used on large properties.

Uses:

The foliage of many species is exported globally for the cut flower industry and can be used fresh or dried. There is a growing international market for these plants and the common names Rekoala and Bell Reed are used in the cut-flower industry of New Zealand. Only the finely branched stems are used and the most coveted part of the plant is the very beautiful young shoots, with their thick bamboo-like stems with distinct nodes, and cream to light green colour.

Cultivation/Propagation:

The best time for planting restio's in fynbos areas is from April to May, just before the winter rains arrive. The plants will initially be a bit slow growing, but will have formed a handsome plant and started flowering two to three years after sowing. The plants renew themselves every year by producing a new crop of stems in the centre of the plant. The individual stems start to deteriorate during the third year, but by that time two new flushes of growth will already have appeared.

Like Proteas and Ericas, they prefer an open and well ventilated position in the garden; disliking small walled in areas where there is no breeze. They all thrive in full sun but will take some light shade. If they are planted and cared for correctly, restio's are very healthy, low maintenance plants, which look good all year round. They have almost no natural enemies and are virtually disease-free.

Naturally they thrive best in a frost-free Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers, and cool wet winters; and in these regions they are wonderful water-wise plants, requiring minimal watering once established. Many restios are adaptable to cold conditions, and due to their growing popularity overseas they are being tested for their frost hardiness. Many varieties have proved to be remarkably hardy, as long as their roots (rhizomes) are mulched very thickly in autumn to prevent them from freezing.

Although mature restio's can survive on very little water, newly planted specimens require regular irrigation for the first three months. After that a normal watering regime is best in order to provide lush growth and maintain the juvenile foliage over a longer period. They prefer sandy, acid to neutral soil that is very well-drained, but will adapt to most well-drained garden soils. Only a very few species will tolerate alkalinity; Elegia capensis, Elegia elephantinum, Elegia filacea, Elegia tectorum, Thamnochortus pellucidus, and Thamnochortus insignis are known to tolerate alkaline soils.

The plants are best grown from seed, which has a fairly good germination rate when treated with smoke or 'Instant Smoke Plus' seed primer. Sow seed into very well-drained soil and remember that about half of the seeds will not be viable, so the seed can be sown quite thickly. Keep the trays in full sun where there is plenty of air movement. The roots (rhizomes) resent disturbance but large clumps can be carefully removed and divided, by cutting the plants into large clumps. Try to keep disturbance to a minimum and replant the divided clumps immediately.

Fynbos seeds germinate significantly better when exposed to smoke from veld fires. Inside
the seed packets of restios, you will find a piece of absorbent paper, impregnated with smoke based germination stimulants, similar to smoke from a real veld fire. Simply place the pink paper in a small amount of water. Place the seeds inside the water solution, making sure that all the seeds are covered. Soak the seeds in the solution for 24 hours before sowing.

Restio's respond well if fed with organic fertilizers like Seagro, Kelpak or Bounce Back during the growing season. If the plants are watered well but still become yellow, feed them with a high nitrogen organic fertiliser. Restio's are low-maintenance plants, requiring only regular removal of the brown, dead stems. 

Elegia capensis (Elegia capensis) Horsetail Restio, Fonteinriet.

 Click here to see Google images of Elegia capensis

This is a widespread species which grows on sandstone slopes from sea level to 1 600m high in the mountains, or in close proximity to the mountain ranges of the western, southern and eastern Cape, as far as Port Elizabeth. The plants grow in sandy soil, close to water; alongside rivers and streams and in seepages or where groundwater is present.

It is an elegant tall-growing restio, which forms large bushy clumps of beautiful erect green stems, along which there are spaced nodes, and whorls of fine needle-like or feathery green branches. Just below each whorl of the branches papery and very showy chestnut and white sheaths envelop the stems. The papery sheaths make a pleasant rustling sound in the breeze. Male and female plants flower in spring and early summer and the flowers of both sexes consist of yellow or coppery-brown spikelets. The fruit is a small winged nutlet which ripens in March.

The horsetail restio is a most popular garden plant and is used extensively in fynbos gardens. It grows slowly for the first couple of years and will only reach about 1m in the first year, but it can then become very robust, reaching 2 to 3m tall and can form dense clumps, 2 to 5m in diameter. It is not suited to restricted spaces and very small gardens. It is quite tolerant of cold temperatures and frost as long as the roots are thickly mulched in autumn and the plant is in a protected position in the garden. It has been known to survive temperatures as low as -7°C; and will adapt to a large variety of acid to neutral soil types.