Cussonia spicata |
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Distribution: Cussonia spicata occurs in parts of the Karoo region in South Africa. |
| Description: The trees height vary according to their rainfall area, plants in a high rainfall area may reach a height of 10m while plants in low rainfall areas may only reach 5m in height. The leaves form a "feather duster"/umbrella shape at the end of the trunk. The leaves are between 30-60cm in length and dark-green in colour, they are deeply divided. Leaves are digitate (oblong in juvenile plants and ovate in adult plants). Bark is thick and corky. Roots are tuberous. | |
| Flower: White flowers are borne on a woody branch. | |
| Propagation: Seeds and cuttings. | |
| Cultivation: Drought hardy, regular water and feedings in the summer months with little water in the winter months. (My plants get watered twice a week in the summer months and once every two to three weeks in winter). | |
Common names: Umbrella Tree, Kiepersol, Cabbage Tree. The word Kiepersol is a corruption of the Portuguese word, Kippe-solis, it describes the the arrangement of leaves at the end of the trunk. |
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Point-of-interest: In times of drought the large tuberous roots are eaten by the local people and used by others as a treatment for malaria. The leaves are reputed to be good cattle fodder. |
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Photographer: Etwin Aslander of Selecta Succulents - Plant/Seed Source |
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