Thespesia acutiloba

Family: Malvaceae (Mallows family)

Common names: Tulip Tree, Small-leaved Portiatree (E); iphuphme (Z); Kleinblaarportiaboom (A); Aklolo (Ts);

Native to: Southern Africa

Shrub, Tree

An attractive small tree or shrub bearing yellow flowers.

Thespesia acutiloba

SEMI-DECIDUOUS

FULL SUN

SEMI FROST HARDY

MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS

FAST GROWER

ATTRACTS BIRDS

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWER COLOUR:

AVERAGE SIZE:

5m x 4m

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

DESCRIPTION

An attractive small tree or shrub with a pale grey bark that becomes rough and furrowed. The leaves are ivy-like and shiny-green with 5 prominent veins from the base. It bears attractive, Hibiscus-like, lemon yellow flowers that close mid-afternoon and turn pinkish-brown as they age. The fruit is a round, fleshy berry that attracts birds.

NATURAL HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION

Coastal and riverine forest and bushveld.

WILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS

The flowers attract insects and the fruit is eaten by birds.

LANDSCAPING USES

An attractive garden specimen that can be used as a street tree.

GARDEN THEMES

Bushveld, Forest

FLOWERS

FOLIAGE

CULTIVATION

Can be propagated from seed or cuttings.

PLANTBOOK