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Cussonia paniculata

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Leaf from New Plant Nursery.    

 


A big tree by Christian Moliné, Powo.science.kew.org.

Author:  C. Ecklon & Carl L. Zeyher, 1837
Family:  ARALIACEAE
Origin:  Eswatini, Botswana, South Africa
Soil:  Rich - Mix
Water:  Medium
Sun:  Maximum
Thickness:  60 Centimetres
Height:  6 Meters
Flower:  Light Green
Propagate:  Fresh seeds/Cutting
Names:  Mountain Cabbage Tree, Bergkiepersol, Umsenge, Umsengembuzi
Synonyms:  Cussonia paniculata subsp. sinuata, De Winter

This member of the Araliaceae family was described by Christian Friedrich Ecklon and Carl Ludwig Philipp Zeyher in 1837. It is found in Eswatini, Botswana and South Africa, growing in well-drained, but rich soil with some water and lots of sun. The stem will slowly grow to six meters in height and 60 centimetres in diameter. The flowers, which are rich in nectar, are crème to green. It can be reproduced by fresh seeds, best before three months. Cuttings will grow, but they don't form a caudex.

There are two subspecies of Cussonia paniculata. The rare seen one, C. paniculata subsp. paniculata is rather small, and has leaflets without lobes. It is found in Eastern Cape. The larger one, C. paniculata subsp. sinuata has deeply lobed leaves and is more widespread.

The genera is named after Pierre Cusson, 1727-1783, a French physician, botanist and mathematician. The species after  referring to the panicle or branched inflorescence.


Leaf from Karoo BG.


The flowers - early stage - by Christian Moliné, Powo.science.kew.org.