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] 41