Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is internationally acclaimed as one of the greatest botanical gardens of the world. It is situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, and spans an area of 528 hectares. It was established in 1913 to conserve and promote the indigenous flora of southern Africa and is filled with traces from the past. Kirstenbosch and neighboring Table Mountain National Park both form part of the Cape Floristic Region Protected Area that was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. It is a haven for nature lovers and filled with beauty and botanical delights.

Kirstenbosch sits on the slopes of Table Mountain and has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains

Sculpture by Dylan Lewis at the Centre for Home Gardening

Take Time to Explore and Enjoy

On my most recent visit I was lucky enough to have a whole morning to explore the gardens and it was truly a delight. I saw incredibly beautiful plants, abundant birdlife and even wildlife such as a snake, a shy Tortoise, several lizards and also giant tadpoles in the pond. Luckily I cam prepared with walking shoes, binoculars, camera and hat so I enjoyed hiking farther up the mountain than I have been before. The gardens are vast and it is impossible to see it all in only a few hours. I really enjoyed the Restio Garden, the Cycad Garden, the Fynbos Garden, Boomslang Canopy Walk, the Camphor Avenue and visiting the Shop at the Nursery at Gate1. I think this is a garden you can visit weekly and still make new discoveries each time. I love the link for ‘Seasons’ on the SANBI website where it details the different species that are flowering at different times of the year. (see below for link)

History

The Heritage Trail is a self-guided trail that takes one on a tour of the the oldest and most historic parts of the garden and icludes storyboards and old photographs. The trail is 2km long and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. While historical artefacts date back to the Stone Age, the more recent site history includes the forest being surveyed for the Dutch East India Company by Jan van Riebeeck in 1652. After the Second British Occupation in 1806 the land was bought by the Colonial Secretary Henry Alexander and his deputy Col. Christopher Bird, who built the brick bath at the spring in the Dell. (Colonel Bird Bath on the Map) During the 1800s Kirstenbosch was a wine farm owned by the Cloete family. The last private owner was Cecil John Rhodes who bought it in 1895 for £9000 to protect the eastern slopes of Table Mountain from urban development. He planted the avenue of Camphor Trees. When Rhodes died in 1902 he left the land to the nation and in 1913 it became a botanical garden dedicated to the study and cultivation of indigenous plants of South Africa.

Visitor Information

Free guided tours of the garden take place – weather permitting – from Mondays to Fridays at 10h00, 11h00 and 14h00. Guided tours leave from the Visitor’s Centre (Gate 1). Each tour takes approximately 90 minutes. Each guide presents a unique tour, taking in the highlights of the season, exploring different areas of the garden while including some of its special features. The terrain is uneven at times and the tours are not wheelchair friendly. These guided walks are free, but garden entry fees apply. Entrance tickets can be bought online at Webtickets or at the Entrance Gates.

The garden is open every day from 08h00 to 19h00 during summer (Sep-Mar), 08h00 to 18h00 during winter (Apr-Aug).

I can’t wait to go back again!

~

see previous blog about Cape Town

see previous blog about Dylan Lewis Sculpture Park

See SANBI website Kirstenbosch (General)

See SANBI website Kirstenbosch (Seasons)

Grassland Style Planting with South African Indigenous Plants

Themeda triandra

Grassland Style or Meadow Style landscaping, with the predominant use of ornamental grasses in the landscape, has become increasingly popular. This is not only due to the texture, movement and interest that they add but also to the variety of contrasting seasonal foliage and color that they provide throughout the year. Grasses are generally low maintenance and they provide habitat and food for birds and other animals therefore attracting wildlife to the garden.

Aristida junciformis

Grasses Increase a Site’s Biodiversity

It is encouraging to know that when introducing grasses to a landscaping project, and specifying indigenous plants in general, that the biodiversity of the site will increase. Indigenous plants attract local insects, birds and wildlife. The Grassland Biome in South Africa is increasingly under threat due to urbanization, mining and agriculture and therefore including indigenous grasses means that a small part is played in re-establishing and enhancing vegetation communities.

Applying the grassland style to south african gardens

 It is not always easy to get this style right, as the grasses often look bad in winter and need to be cut down. Adding to this, the seasonal colour planted between the grasses are often bulbs that die down completely.

But what if we reframe this challenge as an opportunity?

South Africa’s grassland biome offers a rich palette of indigenous species that are naturally adapted to seasonal rhythms, climatic conditions, and drought. By drawing inspiration from these ecosystems, we can create landscapes that are not only beautiful but ecologically resilient and low-maintenance.

Many people hope to recreate landscaping images that they find on the internet of planting styles but often these images portray plants that are not indigenous to South Africa. When looking at planting grasses in your garden please insist on using indigenous plants from South Africa and even better if they are specifically from your region.

Design Tips for grassland style planting

• Layering: Combine grasses with flowering perennials and scattered bulbs to create visual rhythm and seasonal variety

• Accept dormancy: Celebrate the winter phase with seasonal changes including seed heads, dry textures, and changes to foliage colour

• Use repetition: Group plants together to enhance visual impact

Sporobolus stapfianus

south african grass species that work well for landscaping

I have listed some indigenous grasses that work well in landscaping with the help of an excellent grass book – A Practical Grass Selection Guide, South Africa (2016) by Waltman Botha and Ivan van der Wal as well as information shared with me by the late Johan Wentzel who was very passionate about Grasses and encouraged landscaping with them.

Some notable indigenous ornamental Grass species that can be used successfully in gardens include:

Andropogon eucomis (Snowflake Grass)

Aristida junciformis (Three Awn Grass)

Monocymbium ceresiiforme (Boat Grass)

Tricholaena monachne (Blue Seed Grass)

Eragrostis spp

Panicum natalense (Natal Panicum)

Setaria sphacelate var sphacelate (Common Bristle Grass)

Sporobolus stapfianus (Fibrous Dropseed)

Stiburus alopecuroides (Stiburus)

Melinis nerviglumis (Bristle Leaved Red Top)

Fingerhutia africana (Thimble Grass)

Chloris gayana (Rhodes Grass)

Themeda triandra (Red Grass)

Chloris gayana

combining grasses with flowering perennials

Grasses can be successfully combined with flowering perennials to add even greater colour and texture. Some flowering perennials that work well mixed with grasses:

Kniphofia spp (sometimes more water-loving)

Aloe spp

Bulbine spp

Helichrysum spp

Scabiosa columbaria

Crossandra greenstockii

Felicia amelloides

Pelargonium spp

Silene bellidioides

Agapanthus spp

Tulbaghia spp

Kniphofia

Bulbs that work well interplanted with grasses

Watsonia spp

Crocosmia spp

Crinum spp

Eucomis spp

Ornithogalum spp

Dierama spp

Scilla natalensis

Eucomis

Grasses can add value to any landscape and successfully implementing various species can bring a new South African aesthetic to landscaping. We have a wide range of beautiful plants from which to choose - Be bold with your experimentation of the Grassland Style Planting!

See previous blog post about Designing with Foliage

An indigenous nursery I always recommend: Random Harvest Nursery

Bulbine

Gariep Nursery, Pretoria

This small nursery can be found tucked away in the suburb of Faerie Glen, Pretoria. It specializes in succulent plants and claims to be one of the first nurseries in the country to make the rare Pachypodium namaquanum (the so-called Halfmens) more readily available. Other rare plants that they can supply include the Spiral Aloe from Lesotho, Aloe polyphylla, many Madagascan Pachypodium species, and Madagascan and Arabian Aloe species.

I visited the nursery a few weeks back on a Sunday afternoon after following them on Instagram. I wanted to buy a specific plant - Haemanthus humilis spp. hirsutus - but it was unfortunately unavailable. (note to self - call ahead to book plants you want to specifically buy)

I enjoyed visiting and exploring the garden which is filled with succulents and a wide range of indigenous plants, including species of Eucomis, Haemanthus, Hypoxis, Ledebouria, Scilla and Scadoxus. The gardens have great potential to be a beautiful destination where one can sit and enjoy the surrounding plants and birdlife.

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​I am sure that the best time to visit is in the winter months when most of the aloe species and are in flower, I’ll definitely come back to see them!

Address: 309 Cliffendale Drive, Faerie Glen

Some text taken from Website: https://www.gariepplants.com/

Instagram: @gariepplants

8 Indigenous Trees for Screening

Trees for Screening

Many landscapes require screening between the edges of a property for privacy or the addition of height for softening of buildings. Mostly you would be looking for evergreen trees with attractive foliage and non-aggressive roots. When designing a tree screen I like to use a combination of tree heights and foliage texture. Here are some lovely indigenous screening trees to consider:

1. Olea europaea subsp. africana (Olive Tree)

Olea europaea subsp. africana is a neatly shaped, hardy, evergreen tree with a dense spreading crown (9 x 12 m) of glossy grey-green to dark-green foliage. Leaves are grey-green to dark-green above and greyish below. The rough, grey bark sometimes peels off in strips. Sprays of tiny, lightly scented white to greenish flowers (October to February) are followed (March to July) by small, spherical, thinly fleshy fruits (either sweet or sour) which ripen purple-black. The Latin name for olive is olea; europaea = from Europe, and africana = from Africa. Don't plant it too close to walls, patios or swimming pools, the root system can sometimes be aggressive. (http://pza.sanbi.org/olea-europaea-subsp-africana)

Olea africana (Image from SunTrees Nursery)

2. Buddleja saligna (False Olive)

Buddleja saligna is a medium sized tree usually 4 to 5 metres in Highveld areas. This fast growing tree is an excellent, quick screen plant. It grows up to 800mm per year. Use it as a pioneer tree for your forest garden. It also makes a very good clipped hedge. It is evergreen, frost hardy and drought resistant and the masses of flowers make a lovely spring and summer show. It will grow in most soils but added compost will improve performance. It may need cutting back after flowering to keep tidy. The false olive does not have an aggressive root system. The flowers attract insects (especially moths) and therefore insect feeding birds such as Robins and Apalises to the garden. (http://pza.sanbi.org/buddleja-saligna)

Buddleja saligna (Image from CJM Nursery)

3. Ilex mitis (Cape Holly)

Ilex mitis is a hardy, small to medium sized, evergreen tree with almost white bark. It has a graceful rounded crown of glossy, dark green leaves that are purplish-red when they first flush.

Massed clusters of small, sweetly scented, white flowers are borne from October to February. (Male and female flowers on separate trees, therefore only female plants bear fruit). These are followed by tightly packed decorative red berries that attract flocks of fruit eating birds. It grows better in moist conditions near water but can withstand dry conditions. With its beautiful shape it makes a good avenue tree. Although this beautiful rounded tree can grow to huge proportions in forest conditions, it is normally a small to medium sized tree. The leaves are used as a soap substitute. Size 3 to 8m (Information from Random Harvest Website)

Ilex mitis (Cape Holly) Image from Just Trees Nursery

4. Vepris lanceolata (Ironwood)

Vepris lanceolata is a hardy, evergreen, very attractive tree with apple green foliage. It blooms with a myriad of small, white flowers from December to January, which give the tree a lacy look. The black berries ripen throughout the autumn and winter and are an important source of food for the birds. The tree is host to the Citrus Swallowtail Butterflies. A beautifully shaped tree and a very good garden subject that can be used as a screen or container plant for outdoors or indoors. The non-aggressive root system makes it ideal for smaller gardens. The timber is even-grained and white. It has many medicinal uses. Size 5 to 10m (Information from Random Harvest Website)

Vepris lanceolata (Ironwood) photographed in Random Harvest Nursery

5. Rapanea melanophloes (Cape Beech)

Rapanea melanophloes is a hardy, small to medium sized, evergreen tree with dark leaves that have a purplish cast to them. It also has really attractive bark. The small greenish-white flowers from May to July attract insects and bees. These are followed by small purple fruits that are borne in profusion close to the stems which attract fruit eating birds. A good garden subject and a useful addition to screen planting with its unusual colour foliage. The wood is used for making furniture and violins and has many magical and medicinal uses. Size 4 to 10m (information from Random Harvest Website)

6. Noltea africana

Noltea africana is a very hardy, evergreen, very fast growing, small to medium sized tree. The glossy leaves are darker above and paler underneath, and have purple petioles. The branchlets are also purplish-red. The flowers are pretty, small, white sprays borne in the axils of the leaves from August to September. The black seeds are encased in a three-lobed, brown woody capsule that splits to release them when ripe. A decorative tree that is ideal for the smaller garden but should be kept as a single stem. Grows well in sun and semi-shade. A good tree to plant for a quick screen. When twigs and leaves are rubbed in water it becomes soapy. Size 2 to 6m (Information from Random Harvest Website)

Noltea africana (Soapwood) plantbook.co.za

7. Loxostylis alata (Tarwood)

A small, well-shaped tree with glossy foliage tinged with red when young and masses of white flowers in early summer, and if the tree is a female it has showy pinkish red fruits. Tarwoods are evergreen, ornamental trees which will grow in a wide range of ecological habitats. This tree closely resembles the Brazilian pepper tree, Schinus terebinthifolius of the same family, which does not have the characteristic red sepals. This is a very attractive small tree or large shrub for gardens. It is also useful for screening and boundary plantings. It grows to 6 m or higher in favorable conditions, but can form a large, dense shrub. Other recommended trees in this family are the red currant (Rhus chirindensis), wild-plum (Harpephyllum caffrum) and the marula (Sclerocarya birrea). (http://pza.sanbi.org/loxostylis-alata)

Loxostylis alata (Tarwood) from SANBI Website

8. Cryptocarya traansvaalensis (Mountain Wild Quince)

Cryptocarya transvaalensis is a hardy, evergreen large tree with beautiful glossy dark green foliage. The leaves are blue-green below. The inconspicuous flowers are borne in the axils of the leaves from December to February. These are followed by glossy red to purple berries that are decorative and attract fruit eating birds to the garden. This species is declining as the bark is used for medicinal purposes. It makes a beautiful container plant and if you have the space a magnificent specimen tree. It stays smaller when grown in full sun. Size up to 12m (Information from Random Harvest Website)

There are many many other screening trees that can be used so don’t let this list limit you!

10 Essential Plants for a Rewarding Vegetable Garden

A Vegetable Garden should be filled with plants that can be harvested for use in the kitchen and home. A wide range of foliage size, colours and textures add interest and variety to planting combinations. I especially love herbs and the beautiful landscapes you can create using them. Here are the top ten plants I recommend every Vegetable Garden should have:

1. Perennial Basil ‘White’ (Ocimum basilicum)

Large, highly aromatic leaves with spikes of white flowers from early spring to late autumn. Leaves can be used in cooking wherever a basil taste is required. Its cold hardy nature will ensure the availability of basil right through winter. Shrub. Height: 80cm Width: 80cm.

Perennial Basil - Medium sized shrub with beautiful flowers

2. Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii)

A hardy, small woody shrub with velvety, textured oval green-grey leaves. Sage tolerates most climates however it does not like to be over watered. Requires really good drainage and a slightly alkaline soil. The foliage is used in pot pourii and in natural insecticides. Shrub. H:1.5m W:1m.

Cleveland Sage - large shrub with beautiful foliage

3. Mint (Mentha spicata spp.)

Most well known of the mints with tasty, highly aromatic mint flavored leaves. The mint is extensively used for salads, sauces and teas. Used medicinally. Useful natural insecticide. Perennial. H:40cm W:spread.

Mint - several varieties to choose from including Chocolate Mint, Ginger Mint and Liquorice Mint

4. Dutch Lavender (Lavandula dentata)

An herbaceous shrub with deeply serrated, highly aromatic green leaves. Large blue flowers are borne on long stems from spring through to autumn. Has medicinal properties. Dried leaves and flowers can be used in pot pourii. Shrub. H:80cm W:60cm

Lavender - grey or green foliage varieties, beautiful aroma and foliage

5. Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Mauve flowers in summer with small mid green fragrant leaves. Used in stews, soups, salads and sauces. Medicinally has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Ground cover. H:30cm W:30cm.

Lemon Thyme - Thymus x citriodorus

Thyme - ‘Silver Posie’ variety on left and common green thyme on right

6. Fennel Bronze (Foeniculum vulgare ‘Rubrum’ purpureum)

Very striking, bronze, fine feathery leaves. Umbells of small yellow flowers in summer followed by aromatic edible seeds. Used in pork and fish dishes and a great addition to salads. Medicinal uses. Perennial. H:1m W:0.6m.

Bronze Fennel - adding beautiful and unusual foliage colour and texture

 7. Blue Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis ‘McConnel’s Blue”)

Small aromatic shrub with small spiky dark green leaves and blue flowers. Hardy, prefers chalky well drained soil. The leaves are used in Mediterranean cuisine. Companion plant with Sage. Medicinal. Shrub. H:80cm W:80cm.

Rosemary - not always easy to grow, but a brilliant shrub and culinary herb

8. Golden Upright Oregano (Oreganum spp.)

Striking golden foliage that add interest and colour to the herb garden. Ideal for container gardening or as a contrast plant. Strong Oregano flavor. Ground cover. H:30cm W:30cm

Golden Oregano - contrasting colour to add interest

9. Spearmint (Mentha spicata aquatica)

Hardy, deep green, highly aromatic, serrated oval spearmint flavored leaves. Greatly prized for jellies and sauces. Used in confectionary, cosmetics, natural insecticides and medicines. Ground cover. HL25cm W:spread

Spearmint - small bushy shrub with a brilliant green colour

10. Lemon Scented Geranium (Pelargonium citronella)

The deeply indented green leaves are pungently aromatic when crushed, releasing lemon scented plant oils that deter even the most determined mosquito. Shrub. H:60cm W:50cm.

Pelargonium citronella - good for repelling insects, especially mosquitoes!

Plant Descriptions taken from Doonholm Specialist Wholesale Nursery Website (https://doonholm.com/)

Why Planting Indigenous Plants will make you Happier

Red Hot Poker - Crane Flower - Yellow Honeysuckle

Many gardens today are still strongly influenced by the European style of clipped hedges and formal layouts, but the South African garden is emerging as a strong aesthetic. Indigenous gardening is becoming increasingly popular due to the environmental benefits, growing awareness of sustainable practices and the rising knowledge of locally indigenous plants.

Here are five reasons why you should plant indigenous plants, not only for yourself but for the benefit of the environment:

1.       Indigenous plants are adapted

They are suited to the prevailing conditions of the area in which they are found which means that they often have low water requirements and can withstand the temperature fluctuations and seasonal changes of that particular region. This also means that once established they should be self-sustaining, hardier and able to withstand general disturbances.

2.       Indigenous plants support indigenous animal life

Indigenous plants provide food and shelter to local animal life such as birds, insects, frogs and reptiles. The plants support local insects, which in turn support local birds and ultimately a life-supporting harmonious cycle is created. Interestingly butterflies will only lay their eggs on specific host plants, almost always indigenous species, so in order to attract these beauties into your garden you need to plant their host plant.

3.       Indigenous gardens allow for habitat creation and connection

Large areas of natural habitat is destroyed daily to make way for urban development. Fragmentation of vegetation and animal populations puts these healthy systems in jeopardy. If your garden can replace some of this lost vegetation it can create corridors for the local insect and bird life to move along.

4.       Planting indigenous is environmentally responsible

Planting indigenous plants is beneficial to the environment and the ecology which we would like to conserve for future generations. Knowing that your actions today preserve future interactions with local plants and animals for future humans is deeply encouraging.

5.       We have an amazing selection of plants!

South African plants are cultivated all over the world although many South Africans do not realise the variety and diversity of indigenous plants available to them (some 23,000-plus species). There are so many plants to choose from and an exciting journey of discovery awaits.

Now is always a good time to start. Why not visit some local indigenous nurseries to be inspired and learn more about the beautiful plants locally suited to your area.

Crassula ovata - Aloe arborescens - Tulbaghia violacea

Zantedeschia aethiopica - Agapanthus praecox

5 Things to Consider when Planning a Vegetable Garden

Having an area where herbs, vegetables and fruits can be found at various times throughout the year can be incredibly rewarding. Any homemaker knows the joy of stepping outside and picking perfectly fresh herbs to compliment the evening meal. Likewise many of us have childhood memories of climbing fruit trees in back gardens and can recall the delight of discovering edible treasures.

The landscapes we live in need to be a provider in order to benefit us and bring value to the community in which we live. I give my neighbour lemons and she gives me sweet potatoes in exchange. Sharing the joy of gardening and tending the earth is something that not only brings delight to an individual, it also has the ability to bring people together, provide food during times of shortages and educate the next generation.

It would be beneficial for every homeowner to introduce fruit trees, herbs and edible plants into their garden. While fruit trees can be planted anywhere, a vegetable garden is often a designated area where there are beds assigned to edible plants so that it can be easily maintained and cared for.

Now that you are planning a Vegetable Garden here are 5 things to consider:

1.       Choose the right Position

Most vegetables and herbs require full sun so choose the position of the vegetable garden carefully. If your garden is very shady it is unlikely that you will be able to have a successful vegetable garden so you may want to consider cutting back some trees or introducing free-standing planters on paved areas.

2.       Soil

A whole science on its own, soil needs to be healthy and consist of organic matter, earthworms etc to make sure it is well aerated so that plants will grow well in the medium it is planted in. If soil is too sandy or compacted or clayey it will need to be modified. The best way to do this is to create a compost heap with old leaves and garden matter that is regularly turned and will eventually create compost that can be used in your garden beds.

3.       Access

You need to be able to move in and around the plants in order to harvest them, watch for pests, prune and replace and also to get full enjoyment from them. Pathways can be made from brick, pavers, gravel or bark chip.

4.       Planting

There has been a lot of research into companion planting and also plants which can naturally repel pests such as Tulbaghia violacea (Wild Garlic), Nasturtiums, Tansy, Marigolds, Cotton Lavender and Geraniums. I also like to have several bushy herbs (Rosemary, Lavender, Sage) and perennial plants (Salvia, Helichrysum, Nemesia) that look good throughout the year so that when certain plants aren’t looking great these still add colour and structure to the garden.

5.       Focal Points

In landscape design (as in every artwork) there needs to be certain elements that bring a sense of order, balance and beauty to the landscape. This can be created using focal points and other elements that the eye is drawn towards so that the observer takes in their surroundings and as a whole this atmosphere influences their experience and ultimately their mood. In order to create this atmosphere one can use pots, obelisks, trellises, arches and other objects to create that beauty on the canvas.

Vegetable gardens do not have to be forlorn and ugly. In fact if you have been to Babylonstoren in the Cape you will know that their vegetable garden is unbelievably beautiful and inspiring. Another amazing place to visit for inspiration is The Herb Farm in Midrand. So good luck and let the journey begin!

Gina Switala - Landscape Architect

5 South African Medicinal Trees that should be used more in Garden Landscaping

1. Clausena anisata (Horsewood)

Clausena anisata (Size 3 to 10m) is a very hardy, evergreen, shrub or small tree that is spindly when young but matures to a lovely rounded shape.  It bears sprays of attractive creamy-white flowers from May to August. These are followed by black berries that attract birds to the garden. The attractive compound, glossy leaves droop gracefully. When crushed they emit a strong smell and can be used as a substitute for curry leaves. It is the host plant of several Swallowtail butterflies.  Plant in sun or semi shade. It makes an ideal specimen tree for a small garden.  It has many medicinal and magical.  (Information from Random Harvest) Some of these uses include

Clausena anisata (Image from KumbalaNursery.co.za)

2. Moringa oleifera (Moringa)

The small fast-growing and hardy Moringa oleifera tree is also known as the drumstick tree, horseradish, been oil tree or ‘peperwortelboom’ in Afrikaans. Growing between 5 and 12 m tall, it has a straight trunk and and umbrella-shaped crown of feathery green leaves. Flowers are up to 25 cm long and produce thin and long reddish brown seed pods. Although native to India, Pakistan and Nepal, Moringa oleifera grows in the Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces of South Africa.

According to traditional African and Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine moringa has almost 540 compounds that can treat or prevent about 300 health issues. Used for centuries in Eastern countries for diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, anemia, arthritis, liver disease, as well as respiratory, skin and digestive disorders, it is now considered a ‘super-food’. The powdered leaves, roots, bark and immature pods are used for its nutritional, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and tissue-protective benefits.

Moringa is a source of vitamins, minerals, as well as all the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. It contains significant amounts of vitamin C, E, potassium (K), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). In addition moringa leaves are an excellent calcium (Ca) source and contain 10 times more vitamin A (beta carotene) than carrots. moringa powder can be used as a substitute for iron tablets, hence as a treatment for anemia. Beef has only 2 mg of iron while moringa leaf powder has 28 mg of iron.

In India, moringa leaves are used stimulate breast milk production in new mothers and usually added to lentil soups during the cold and flu season to increase disease resistance. The leaves, gums, roots, flowers as well as kernels have been utilized for managing tissue tenderness, cardiovascular and liver maladies, normalize blood glucose and cholesterol. It has also profound antimicrobial and anti-TB activities.

In developing countries, the moringa leaf powder is commonly used as a medicinal herb, rather than food as in Asian populations. It is often taken as a supplement by HIV-infected people to enhance immunity and manage opportunistic infections. The fact that moringa is easily cultivable makes it a sustainable remedy for malnutrition - countries like Senegal and Benin treat children with moringa. Moringa products range from leaf extract, powder and tablets to protein shakes, seed oils, teas and probiotic drinks. Leaves can be harvested by cutting the top of the plant off when the plant has grown to 1 m, leaving about 30 cm. It is easily propagated by seeds, but needs nitrogen for good yields. It prefers daily temperatures of 25 to 30 °C and neutral, well-drained soils, but can grow well in clay soils. (http://southafrica.co.za/moringa-miracle-medicine.html)

Moringa Tree (Image from https://www.seedsforafrica.co.za/products/moringa-oleifera-tree-medicinal-seeds)

3. Tarchonanthus camphoratus (Camphor Bush)

Tarchonanthus camphoratus is a hardy, large, decorative, evergreen shrub or small tree with attractive silver foliage that smells of camphor when crushed. Sprays of white, thistle like flowers covered in white woolly hairs are borne from March to November. All parts of the plant are aromatic and smell strongly of camphor. This useful plant makes an excellent screen and windbreak. It has a fibrous root system and can be used for binding the soil. It also makes a lovely shade tree for a small garden. This drought resistant shrub is heavily browsed on by game. Used extensively as a medicinal plant.The wood is beautiful and among other things has been used to make musical instruments. Grows Up to 5m (Information from Random Harvest)

The camphor bush is used for medicinal purposes. Problems such as blocked sinuses and headache can be healed by inhaling the smoke from the burning green leaves. Drinking boiled mixture of leaves and water can help to treat coughing, toothache, abdominal pain and bronchitis. Leaves can also be used for massaging body stiffness and also as a perfume. The cotton wool-like seedheads were used to stuff cushions. (http://pza.sanbi.org/tarchonanthus-camphoratus)

Camphor Bush (Image from http://pza.sanbi.org/tarchonanthus-camphoratus)

4. Warburgia salutaris (PepperBark Tree)

The endangered pepper-bark tree of southeastern Africa, Warburgia salutarus, grows in South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The name ‘salutaris’ means health giving, alluding to the pepper-bark’s medicinal uses. A related species, known as ‘Karambaki’, has been used medicinally by Arab traders, East African residents since ancient times. Pepper-bark is extremely rare to find in the wild and is listed as a Red Data Book threatened species. Heavy harvested by traditional healers for its much sought-after bark used in traditional medicine, considerable effort is made to encourage propagation of this tree.

It grows easily from cuttings or root suckers in well-drained soil rich in organic matter and makes an attractive landscaping plant. A tropical tree, the slender evergreen pepper-bark grows 5-10m tall and fixes nitrogen in the soil while its leaves makes an nitrogen-rich mulch. Small yellow-green flowers form 30 mm round berries that ripen to a purple colour. Leaves, fruit and inner bark have a strong peppery taste and harvesting is severely impeded by the fruit’s popularity with fruit flies and monkeys. The trees are slow to mature and can only be harvested at around 10 years old, but takes 20 years to reach full maturity.

The bark and leaves of the pepper-bark contain various compounds with antibacterial, anti-fungicidal (particularly against Candida yeast infections), anti-ulcer and diuretic properties. The plant material is dried, then crushed into a powder and used as infusions and decoctions to treat vaginal thrush, chest infections, venereal diseases, body aches, stomach problems (diarrhoea, aches) and malaria. Used as a snuff, it clears nasal passages and when the bark is chewed or the smoke inhaled, it remedies chest complaints, relieves constipation, fevers and body pains. An infusion of the leaves helps against rheumatism and skin diseases, while boiled roots are added to soup to cure diarrhoea. Both stems and root bark are remedies for malaria and when ground up and mixed with water, it can cure mouth sores. In Kenya, the leaves are added to flavour curries. (http://southafrica.co.za/pepperbark-tree-endangered-medicine-plant.html)

Image from http://pza.sanbi.org/warburgia-salutaris

5. Lannea discolor (Live Long)

Lannea discolor is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree with a neat round crown occurring in bushveld. It is often found on rocky granite ridges. The tree grape is a medium-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 15 m in height with a neat rounded crown. Lannea discolor is generally used as traditional medicine to treat fevers and constipation in children. Its fruits are edible and are utilized by animals, birds and humans. The wood is soft and used to make fences. Fencing poles made out of the wood will easily take root and flourish again, which has earned it its common name Live long. (http://pza.sanbi.org/lannea-discolor)

Lannea discolor (http://pza.sanbi.org/lannea-discolor)

5 Unusual Red Flowering Indigenous Plants

1. Sutherlandia frutescens (Cancer Bush)

Sutherlandia frutescens is a very hardy, evergreen, fast growing, sun-loving shrub with lovely silver-grey foliage. The striking, large, luminous orange pea-like flowers are borne from September to December. They attract Sunbirds and insects to the garden. These are followed by inflated green to pink, papery pods that are so light they are dispersed by wind. The pods and flowers are decorative in a vase. It is an important medicinal plant and has traditional uses as well. This beautiful slender shrub is a must for any garden. Plant several together for effect and use as a textural plant. It makes a beautiful container plant. It is both wind and drought resistant. This is a short-lived plant but it seeds itself freely.

Prune regularly to encourage it to bush out. This unfussy plant tolerates many different soil types and tolerates dry conditions but thrives with sufficient water (do not overwater). Plant in full sun. Size: to 50cm to 1m (https://www.randomharvest.co.za/South-African-Indigenous-Plants/Show-Plant/PlantId/695?Plant=Sutherlandia%20frutescens)

2. Ruspolia hypocrateriformis (Red Ruspolia)

Ruspolia hypocrateriformis is a fairly hardy, evergreen, scrambling woody shrub with bright green foliage. The spikes of showy pink to red flowers with darker spots on their lower petals are borne at the tips of new growth throughout summer and into autumn. Butterflies are attracted to the garden by the large amount of nectar that these flowers produce. The flowers are followed by a dry capsule which splits with a loud crack to release the seed within. Makes an interesting garden subject as a shrub and is said to make a good hedge.  It is not readily available in nurseries. Plant in full sun or semi-shade, in fertile, well-drained, loamy soil. Size: 1m but can climb to about 4m (https://www.randomharvest.co.za/en-us/South-African-Indigenous-Plants/Show-Plant/PlantId/510/Plant/Ruspolia-hypocrateriformis)

3. Erythrina acanthocarpa (Tambookie Thorn)

The tambookie thorn is a much branched, deciduous, thorny shrub reaching up to 2m in height. The striking flowers are scarlet with the upper petal edged with green and are held in heads up to 10cm long and about 12cm wide. This is a very attractive shrub when in flower and makes an excellent garden specimen. Care should be taken not to plant it alongside paving as the large underground rootstock may cause the paving to lift. It performs best in a full sun position planted in well drained soil. Do not overwater and keep relatively dry in winter. It is frost hardy. (http://pza.sanbi.org/erythrina-acanthocarpa)

(Image from Wildflower Nursery)

4. Crossandra greenstockii (Bushveld Crossandra)

Crossandra greenstockii is a beautiful little perennial that sprouts annually from a woody rootstock and looks stunning on a rockery. It flowers for quite a long time in summer. Flowers can either be orange or red. It grows in well-drained acid soil amongst grasses. The flower stalks emerge erectly from basal rosettes of broad green, unevenly lobed leaves.

Interplant Crossandra greenstockii with grasses in full sun. It responds well to a fertile, well-drained soil. (https://wildflowernursery.co.za/indigenous-plant-database/crossandra-greenstockii/)

5. Gloriosa superba (Flame Lily)

Gloriosa superba is a striking climber with unusual and beautiful, red and yellow, flame-like flowers in summer; it is suitable for shade or sun, and is easy to grow. The slender stems are produced annually and are upright to scrambling and can grow up to 4 m long. Tubers sprout in spring, and a tuber sends up 1 to 6 stems. The leaves are shiny, bright green and are tipped in a tendril, which will cling to anything it touches. The stems die back in late summer and the tubers are dormant during winter. PLEASE NOTE: that all parts of this plant, both above and below ground, but particularly the tubers, are extremely poisonous, and ingestion could be fatal. The plants contain the alkaloid colchicine. It is a widely used and effective medicinal plant, but incorrect dosage has caused human deaths. Use with extreme caution and only under guidance of a qualified practitioner. Keep the tubers and the seed capsules away from pets and children and do not let the sap come into contact with your mouth or eyes while working with them, as it can cause skin irritation. The tubers are poisonous to grazing stock. (http://pza.sanbi.org/gloriosa-superba)

While most people prefer to have a landscape filled with the tried and tested plants it can also be exciting to experiment with unusual plants that can bring an element of surprise and interest to your garden.

Which Unusual Indigneous Plant is your favourite?

Plectranthus - the perfect plant for Shade

Plectranthus is the largest South African genus in the mint family (Lamiaceae), with 44 species natural to our region, most of which occur on the eastern side of the country. Plectranthus are noted for their aromatic leaves when crushed and provide a mass display of colour in late summer and autumn. Colour selections range between pink, purple and white and many shades in-between. (http://pza.sanbi.org/plectranthus accessed on 02-03-2020)

I love using Plectranthus in garden designs as their broad soft leaves can create a lovely atmosphere in a garden. They are quite versatile and do well in semi-shade below trees where often other plants do not easily grow. They are a bit frost tender and can take a knock in winter, but if you prune them to about a third of their height (at the end of winter) they will quickly send new growth. You can also grow new plants from cuttings and this is a great way to fill up a garden with bare spots.

There are so many species and varieties of Plectranthus, here are only a few:

Plectranthus oertendahlii

Plectranthus hadiensis

Plectranthus lucidus

Plectranthus ciliatus

Plectranthus 'Mona Lavender'

Plectranthus zuluensis

Plectranthus ciliatus ‘Richard’

Plectranthus ciliatus ‘Aureated’

Plectranthus saccatus ‘Purple’

Plectranthus ecklonii

There are so many beautiful types of Plectranthus one can use in a garden! Let me know which one is your favourite?