Beautiful Jack Russell Puppies – Take a Look!

Rudi’s pure-bred Jack Russells have just produced a litter of 8 gorgeous puppies! The 4 females and 4 males were born on the 12th of June and are all very healthy and lively – each a mirror of their parents who are both so full of character!

The puppies are available for R 1000.00 each to potential animal lovers who have large properties and whom we know will give these special little souls lots of attention and love. The puppies are not registered however they will all be de-wormed and inoculated with booklets provided when they are ready to go to their new homes. To come and view your puppy, please contact Rudi on 082 829 5543, or 021 873 3710.

The proud Father...

Mum and the Pups...

A litter of 8 very happy little puppies...

Preparing for when winter releases her grip…

As the Cape slides ever deeper into it’s annual Winter hibernation, Rudi and Leske, known for the innovative and dynamic approach to their business, have been preparing for the warmer days ahead, assuring that all their valued clients are given the best possible quality and availability once the new season starts.

To this end, we have some magnificent Acacia galpinii (2009 tree of the year) already available for national Arbour week. We would like to advise you to place your orders for these lovely trees early, to avoid disappointment later on.

In 1999 national Arbour day was extended to national Arbour week which takes place from 1 – 7 September. The objective of national Arbour week is to raise public awareness of the important role that our indigenous trees play in the sustainability of our environment and to encourage individuals and groups to plant trees. At this time, throughout the country, various greening activities are undertaken by individuals, schools, businesses and other organisations within their communities. Look out for our in depth report on national Arbour week and the 2009 tree of the year, Acacia galpinii, in our August newsletter.

We invite all our clients to visit us at our nursery, where you can view our stock and we can advise you and discuss your needs for the season ahead over a cup of delicious steaming hot coffee.

Spectacular Monthly Tree - July 2009

The Euclea natalensis or Natal guarri as it is commonly known is a small to medium sized shrub or tree with a dense, spreading crown. The elliptic dark green, glossy leaves are covered with pale rusty hairs on the underside. The bark is white becoming dark and fissured with age. Dense, branched, axillary heads of greenish white, sweet scented flowers are borne from May to January. The edible berry-like fruits change from red to black when mature, attracting various species of birds. As a garden plant the Euclea natalensis can be used as a specimen or as part of a woodland group. The plant is semi hardy and withstands moderate drought and frost. The Natal guarri has a host of medicinal uses, while the boiled roots are used for dyeing palm mats black and the twigs are used by rural peoples to make toothbrushes.

At TreeCo we have a large stock-holding of the Euclea natalensis available and urge you to place your orders with us early to avoid disappointment!

Botanical Name: Euclea natalensis
Common Name: Natal guarri
Size Available: 50kg
Quantity in Stock: 200
Average Tree Height: 2.3m
Average Trunk Thickness: 3cm

Should you require any further information, such as pricing details or should you wish to place an order, please contact Rudi on 082 829 5543 or Leske on 072 385 0270. Alternatively you are welcome to email us with your enquiry at info@treeco.co.za

Acacia sieberiana var. woodii- Paperbark thorn

The Acacia sieberiana is arguably one of our most magnificent Acacias. As a garden subject this tree is truly spectacular, with it’s wonderful wide spreading flattened crown of deep green feathery foliage, the attractive papery bark and a profusion of white to yellowish scented flowers, this distinctive tree deserves to be planted more extensively in our urban environment. In South Africa, the Paperbark thorn occurs naturally in woodland, wooded grassland and along river banks. Being evergreen and drought resistant, Acacia sieberiana is also the ideal tree for street planting in our hot and dry climate.

BASIC TREE DETAILS

Botanical Name: Acacia sieberiana – var. woodii
Common Name: Paperbark thorn
Genus: Fabaceae
RSA National Tree No’: 187

LANDSCAPING USES

This beautifully shaped tree with it’s perfectly flattened crown and unique bark is a striking addition to any medium to large garden. Allow space around the tree to maximise the impact of the Paperbark thorn’s remarkable shape. On a large property or in a park, five or six trees may be planted fairly close together forming an impressive group. As with so many of our indigenous trees, the Acacia sieberiana is an excellent choice for those who wish to attract a variety of birds to their garden. Pied and crested barbets make nesting holes in the tree whilst the flowers lure beetles, bees and butterflies, attracting insectivorous birds such as the bar throated Apolis as well as white bellied, black and collared sunbirds.

TREE SPECIFICATIONS

Height: 8-15m
Spread: 12m
Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen
Growth Habit: Acacia sieberiana occurs in bushveld, wooded grassland and along river banks.
Bark: The bark is creamy tan to yellow brown and inclined to be corky. Papery bark peels off in flattish strips revealing yellow underbark.
Foliage: The Acacia sieberiana has fine, feathery, deep green foliage. The branchlets are densely hairy with white spines and leaves with 8-28 pairs of pinnae, densely hairy to hairless; leaflets 12-40 pairs per pinna; petiolar glands are present at the base of upper pinnae pairs.
Flowers: The flowers are creamy to pale yellow globose heads that are sweetly scented and appear in profusion in Spring.
Fruit: The pods, which appear from March, are yellowish brown, thick, woody and straight and are often covered with velvety hairs. The musty scent of the pods is attractive to livestock and game.
Seed: The seeds are similar to small black beans and are released after the pods have fallen to the ground.

GROWING REQUIREMENTS

Growing regions: The Acacia sieberiana is widely distributed throughout South Africa, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Northern and Eastern Botswana, Northern Namibia and tropical Africa North to Ethiopia.
Growing conditions: The Paperbark thorn enjoys a sunny position. Plant the tree in a large hole filled with a generous mixture of compost, kraal manure and garden topsoil and water well in the beginning.
Best season: Spring
Hardiness: This lovely tree is ideal for dry areas with only a little frost.
Propagation: To propagate, soak seeds in water before planting into ordinary garden soil.

Growth rate: Fast – approximately 1 ½ metres per year.

INTERESTING FEATURES

Throughout Africa the tree has traditionally been valued for it’s medicinal properties. The leaves, bark and resin are used for a variety of ailments including inflammatory conditions and chest complaints. The edible gum makes an excellent adhesive whilst twine, made from the inner bark is used to thread beads. The wood is widely used for tool handles and mortars.