Cussonia Natalensis Araliacae "African Cabbage Tree" 5Liter

🌿 Cussonia natalensis – Natal Cabbage Tree

Botanical Name: Cussonia natalensis
Family: Araliaceae
Common Names: Natal Cabbage Tree, Common Cabbage Tree, Coastal Cabbage Tree, African Cabbage Tree

📌 Product Description

Cussonia natalensis, commonly known as the Natal Cabbage Tree, is a striking indigenous South African evergreen tree admired for its large, glossy, palmate leaves and bold architectural form. The foliage forms rounded clusters at the ends of thick stems, giving the plant a distinctive tropical appearance.

This hardy and adaptable tree is ideal for feature planting, indigenous gardens, and coastal landscapes. It produces small greenish-yellow flowers in summer, followed by decorative berries that attract birds. Its sculptural growth habit makes it an excellent choice for both modern and natural garden designs.

📏 Size When Fully Grown

• Height: 4 – 8 m
• Spread: 3 – 5 m
• Growth Habit: Upright, small to medium evergreen tree with spreading canopy
• Growth Rate: Moderate

🌱 Best Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to light shade
• Soil: Well-draining soil; adaptable to sandy, loamy, and coastal soils
• Water:
  • Moderate watering during establishment
  • Drought-tolerant once established
• Feeding: Light compost or balanced fertiliser in spring
• Maintenance:
  • Minimal pruning required
  • Remove lower branches if shaping as a small tree
  • Suitable for wind-exposed areas

🌦️ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)

• Best Planting Time: Spring or early summer
• Flowering Season: Summer
• Growing Season: Spring and summer
• Climate Suitability: Coastal, subtropical, and warm temperate regions
• Frost Tolerance: Tolerates light frost once established

🌼 Additional Benefits

• Indigenous South African species
• Architectural, tropical-style foliage
• Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
• Attracts birds and pollinators
• Ideal for feature and statement planting

🌿 Ideal Uses

✔ Indigenous gardens
✔ Feature or specimen tree
✔ Coastal and wind-tolerant landscapes
✔ Modern and tropical-style gardens
✔ Wildlife-friendly planting