EVERGREEN
Cussonia spicata
FULL SUN
FROST HARDY
MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS
FAST GROWER
ATTRACTS BIRDS
ATTRACTS INSECTS
FLOWER COLOUR:
FLOWERING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Cussonia spicata
DESCRIPTION
An evergreen tree with a distinctive form. It has a yellowish-grey, thick and corky bark. The compound leaves are crowded at the end of the branches and are up to 70cm in diameter. They have 5-9 dark green (or bluish-green) leaflets with a toothed margin. The flowers are greenish-yellow and are closely packed along thick spikes. The fruit develops on these spikes, turning purple when mature.
6 responses
Hi Daniel
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Cussonia spicata naturally grows in rocky places and the roots tend to find tiny fissures in the rock and are capable of breaking a rock apart.
With this in mind, the recommended planting distance of Cussonia spicata from any structure is 5m, so your distance of 6m should be sufficient.
The roots will break a ceramic planter so I would not recommend that.
Flourish!
Glenice
Hi, I am ready to plant my tree in the front yard about 6 meters away from the house but am very concerned about the invasive root system that may damaged the house and the underground cables and pipes. Can you shed some light on this. Or recommend planting it in a big ceramic pot?
Hi Garth
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Yes it is found int that region, but is not very common there.
I’m not sure if there are any growing naturally in Marloth Park specifically, but there are some in the Malelane area.
Flourish!
Glenice
Good Day. Is the lowveld cabbage tree endemic to the Marloth Park/Kruger Park region
Hi Alida
Thanks for visiting Plantbook.
Yes, the Cussonia spicata will grow in George. Note that the roots system is aggressive so it should not be planted less than 5m from a building or paving.
Flourish!
Glenice
Will this tree grow in George, South Africa?