The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 12 Autumn 2015 High res | Page 41
Indigenous trees
Like many indigenous trees they do not like to be overwatered and prefer a dry period in winter. When mature,
they have wonderful soft bark, all corky and easily peeled
off. The leaves have earned them their common name of
Cabbage Tree, and the flowers are borne in pretty sprays
of light yellow. The fruit is produced on the same flowering
sprays and is a series of fleshy berries, which go dark once
mature and are very attractive to birds. On the Highveld,
they don’t stand out as much, as there are many other
fruiting trees as well. In the Eastern highlands though,
the Cussonia spicata is very conspicuous as it often stands
alone in grasslands and is noticeably a great bird tree.
While fruiting, the Cabbage tree attracts large flocks of
Red-winged Starlings in particular. The wood itself is very
soft, so it is good for hole-nesting birds, such as Barbets
and Woodpeckers, whose holes can then be used by other
species. Even the roots have a use, as mashed roots have
been used in the treatment of Malaria.
Cussonia arborea
Cussonia spicata
Cussonia spicata
Cussonia spicata
On your next trip to Nyanga or the Eastern
Highlands, keep a look out for these
wonderful architectural trees, which are
easily spotted standing on their own. And
remember, as with all our indigenous
trees, these are the food factories for all
other wildlife and so are irreplaceable.
Increase your
birdlife with planned
indigenous trees.
Contact Ant Fynn
0772956511
[email protected]
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