Restio, Thatching Reed, Dekriet - Rhodocoma gigantea (Restionaceae)
Description, History & Interesting Facts:
Rhodocoma 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.
Rhodocoma gigantea(Rhodocoma gigantea) Dekriet.
Click here to see Google images of Rhodocoma gigantea
This beautiful, tall growing restio occurs on the Southern slopes of the coastal Langeberg, Swartberg & Outeniqua Mountains; from George to Port Elizabeth. It makes a showy feature plant and will grow to a height of +-2 to 3m. The plant has a compact growth habit produces lush, bright green, feathery foliage. It thrives in full sun to semi shade and can withstand dry periods in summer. For the first 2 years lots of finely branched juvenile growth is produced; but in the third year strong adult culms race skywards. Female plants have erect flower scapes clustered at the nodes whilst the males are drooping. This Restio grows best in deep acid to neutral soil and is extremely wind tolerant. It has been known to withstand temperatures as low as -7°C, as long as the rhizomes (roots) are thickly mulched in autumn. The growth may be burnt back in hard frosts but normally comes again from the base. This plant responds well to top dressing with compost and feeding with organic fertilisers.
Restio, Bell Reed, Rekoala, Bergbamboes, Besemriet, Olifantsriet - Cannamois (Restionaceae)
Description, History & Interesting Facts:
Cannamois belongs to the Restionaceae family of plants. Restios 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.
Cannamois virgata (Cannamois virgata) Bell Reed, Rekoala, Bergbamboes, Besemriet.
Click here to see Google images of Cannamois virgata
The bell reed is a tall graceful bamboo-like restio which can be found growing in the wild from Clanwilliam to Humansdorp. The plants grow in fairly poor soils, in sandstone as well as shale-derived soils; thriving near water and seepage areas, where they can be found growing in full sun or semi shade. The thick stems the plants produce are used to make brooms and as thatching in some areas.
The botanical name Cannamois virgata is used to describe a group of about 3 plants, and botanists are having problems finding enough botanical differences between these groups to divide them into distinct species. These vigorous plants can vary in height from 1.5 to 5m tall, with a spread of up to 2m at ground level; and the arching crowns can spread up to 3m. The strong stems have clusters of gracefully arching sterile branches at the nodes, which can reach a length of one metre.
The plants flower in early summer, from October to November and male and female flower heads are very different from one another, but both are very decorative. The long racemes of the male flowers are a pale gold; female flowers are much shorter with tight pale brown bracts concealing the small insignificant flowers. The seeds can take up to a year to ripen and flowers at some stage of maturity are visible for most of the year.
The most widespread form of Cannomois virgata is also the smallest growing; it occurs from the Cape Peninsula and throughout the southwestern mountains to the Outeniqua Mountains in the Eastern Cape. The tall growing form has a similar distribution but does not occur on the Cape Peninsula. The medium to tall form does not occur on the wetter parts of the mountains; and the tall form is often found near streams, in gorges or deep valleys.
In the garden Cannamois virgata makes a stunning structural plant and therefore an ideal focal point. It is great for breaking up fence lines or where you require a vertical element in the garden. It is best to leave the plants undisturbed because dividing the roots can be fatal. If absolutely necessary, vegetative propagation can be tried during the winter months, when the rhizomes can be divided into large chunks. Plant them immediately in well-drained soil which must be kept wet. This Restio is reported to be hardy to about -6°C if the soil is thickly mulched in autumn.
Cannamois grandis(Cannamois grandis) Olifantsriet.
Click here to see Google images of Cannamois grandis
This beautiful large restio is a widespread and common species in coastal and mountain fynbos of the Eastern and Western Cape.
It has very decorative main stems and the strong culms; this together with the finely divided foliage, gives the plant a very graceful appearance. In the wild it is commonly found growing in dense clumps alongside streams or on wet mountain slopes.
It varies in height from 3 to 4m, and can spread 2 to 4m. This plant has been reported to be able to survive temperatures as low as -6°C if the soil is thickly mulched in autumn. It needs a sunny position and is ideal to use as a form plant in damp soil.
Sagewood, Saliehout, ewanci, igwangi, chipambati, lelothwane, umbataewepe, mupambati - Buddleja salviifolia
Buddleia salvifolia Condensed Version:
Sagewood is a beautiful small tree or large shrub with dark green sage-like leaves which are conspicuously wrinkled and puckered above, and densely covered with whitish hairs below, giving them a distinctive silvery colour. An abundance large flower panicles droop down from the plant, appearing from August to October, and varying in colour from white, to lilac and purple.
It is semi-deciduous, losing some of its leaves during winter. In the wild it grows quickly to +-3 to 8m tall, producing numerous branches from the main stem, and as these lengthen, they droop gracefully downwards. For garden culture, it is generally sold as a large shrub, 2 to 3m tall, with an equal spread. It can, however, be pruned to keep it smaller.
Sagewood is an excellent choice for busy gardeners who want a low-maintenance and water wise plant which still rewards with beautiful flowers. And, if you wish to attract all types of wild life to your garden, you will find it a great all-rounder.
Once established, sagewood is remarkably frost, heat and drought tolerant, but watering moderately during prolonged dry periods will keep it looking its best in the garden. Although it thrives in full sun, it can also be grown in semi-shade.
One of its greatest qualities is its ability to grow in a saline environment, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens, where it will take fierce, salty winds. Sagewood is also hardy to moderate frost, but in cold frosty regions try to site your plant in a warm area which is sheltered from cold winds, and protect young plants from frost until they are well established.
This plant grows quickly and easily in very sandy soils with poor nutrition, but will adapt to most garden soils with excellent drainage. It can be clipped into shape any time after it has flowered, but should be pruned back at least once a year by about one third in order to produce more flowering shoots.
Buddleja salvifolia 'Mauve'. Picture courtesy www.kumbulanursery.co.zaFull Version:
Description, History & Interesting Facts:
SA Tree No: 637
This beautiful small tree or large shrub is a member of the wild elder family and is called Buddleja salviifolia because of its wonderful dark green sage-like leaves which are conspicuously wrinkled and puckered above, and densely covered with whitish hairs below, giving them a distinctive silvery colour. An abundance large flower panicles droop down from the plant, appearing from August to October, and varying in colour from white, to lilac and purple. The flowers are followed by fruits which are little hairy capsules.
The flowers are full of nectar and have an intoxicating sweet honey-like perfume, attracting many species of butterflies, bees, other insects, and insect-eating birds. If you site your sagewood somewhere in the garden where you can stay for a while, when this tree is in bloom you are likely to see a variety of birds, dependant on the region where you live. It is visited by Arrow marked babblers, Kurrichane thrushes, Fork tailed drongos, Southern black tits; and if you’re really lucky, one of our many colourful Cuckoo species, or even a Bee eater.
Sagewood is also the host plant for only one species of butterfly, the African leopard (Phalanta phalantha aethiopica.) The leaves are browsed by Eland, Bushbuck, Nyala, Kudu and Impala. For all these reasons, sagewood is essential for all wildlife and fragrant gardens, so treat yourself to one, you will be delighted, as will many other creatures large and small!
Proudly, this is one of our most beautiful indigenous trees and is common from the Western Cape through the Eastern Cape, to the Free State, Lesotho, Kwazulu-Natal, Northern Province and Mpumalanga; extending into Mozambique, Zimbabwe and tropical Africa. It does well near water and beside streams, growing naturally in groups on the edges of wooded areas; in sheltered areas near exposed rocky habitats; and often near drainage lines along lower slopes.
Sagewood is semi-evergreen, dropping some of its leaves in winter. In the wild it grows quickly to +-3 to 8m tall, producing numerous branches from the main stem, and as these lengthen, they droop gracefully downwards. For garden culture, it is generally sold as a large shrub, 2 to 3m tall, with an equal spread. It can, however, be pruned to keep it smaller.
Uses:
The fresh or dried leaves make an aromatic herbal tea, which can also be applied as an eye lotion. The wood is hard and is often used to make fishing rods; and in the past assegais and spear shafts were also made from the wood.
In the Garden:
Sagewood is an excellent choice for busy gardeners who want a low-maintenance and water wise plant which still rewards with beautiful flowers. It is also remarkably tough and resistant to pests and diseases, reducing the need to spray. And, if you wish to attract all types of wild life to your garden, you will find sagewood a great all-rounder.
It is an excellent pioneer plant, providing protection for slower growing plants and trees in new gardens. It will recover quickly from fires, re-shooting from the rootstock; and because it loves growing near water and has a vigorous root system, is perfect to stabilise slopes near river banks and dams.
Sagewood usually grows into a beautifully shaped shrub in the garden but it can be pruned to keep it smaller, and even trained into a lovely small tree. If pruned often it forms an excellent windbreak, informal screening plant, or hedge.
This plant has aggressive roots and because of its size, should not be planted too close to buildings and foundations.
Cultivation/Propagation:
Sagewood thrives in full sun but can also be grown in semi-shade. One of its greatest qualities is its ability to grow in a saline environment, making it an excellent choice for coastal gardens, where it will take fierce, salty winds. Sagewood is also hardy to moderate frost, but in cold frosty regions try to site your plant in a warm area which is sheltered from cold winds, and protect young plants from frost until they are well established.
Once established, sagewood is remarkably frost, heat and drought tolerant, making it fantastic for water-wise gardens. Watering moderately during prolonged dry periods will keep it looking its best in the garden. Care should be taken when transplanting, as the roots are very delicate.
This plant grows quickly and easily in very sandy soils with poor nutrition, but will adapt to most garden soils with excellent drainage. In poor soils, adding compost to the planting hole and a generous dusting of bone meal will get your plants off to a good start. Once established the shrubs will need no further feeding, but an occasional sprinkling with a balanced fertiliser, and a seasonal mulching around the roots with compost or kraal manure, will keep it looking great.
Sagewood can be clipped into shape any time after it has flowered, but should be pruned back at least once a year by about one third in order to produce more flowering shoots.
The fastest means of propagation is by taking semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings in summer. Treat them with a root stimulating hormone powder and plant the cuttings in washed river sand; keep the soil moist but not soggy until roots have formed. Seeds also germinate readily but may not reproduce true to the parent plant.
Problems, Pests & Diseases:
If the sagewood is happy where it is growing it suffers from no serious pests or diseases, and insects like caterpillars, bugs and aphids etc. will do no serious harm.
Warning:
This plant is not listed in any poisonous databases and Buddleja davidii is listed as nontoxic to humans, with no data suggesting it is toxic for dogs, cats or other pets. If they chew on the plant they will get no more than a stomach ache. However, it is always best to prevent children and pets from eating flowers or leaves.