Spectacular Monthly Tree - December 2012

 

Spectacular Monthly Tree

 

Although we have many tree species at our nursery that are looking spectacular at any given time, we feature just one tree in particular every month that we know will offer you the best value for money and that will add that special touch to your landscape project.

 

Podocarpus henkelii is undoubtedly the best yellowwood species for confined urban areas and for the garden. The characteristic narrow, drooping, dark green leaves and the attractive conical shape make it one of our loveliest indigenous trees. In the forest, these decorative trees will grow to a height of 30 meters but in the open, they will grow more slowly and reach a height of about 10 meters. These popular yellowwoods will also grow well in large containers which can be placed in semi shaded positions on patios or other paved areas.

Because Podocarpus henkelii has such a lovely shape, they make perfect indigenous Christmas trees. Whether you have large specimens in the garden or more compact ones in tubs, they look stunning when decorated with lights and Christmas ornaments.

We have really beautiful, large specimens in stock so hurry and get yours now to avoid the Christmas rush.

 

 

Botanical Name	Podocarpus henkelii
Common Name	Henkels yellowwood
Size Available	100lt
Quantity in Stock	80
Average Tree Height	3.7m
Average Trunk Thickness	7cm

 

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

Availability List for December 2012

TreeCo provides our readers with a downloadable, updated Availability List every month.

Please note that should you not find the tree that you are looking for on this list, TreeCo will readily source what you require, on your behalf. Rudi and Leske Neethling personally ensure that all trees supplied by TreeCo, conform to our high quality standards.

 

Please CLICK HERE to download our latest Availability List.

Seasons Greeting from TreeCo

The Distinctive Umbrella Thorn

There are few images that are more symbolic of the South African savannah and indeed, the African continent, than the iconic form of the umbrella thorn (Acacia tortilis subs heteracantha).

The blue - black silhouette etched against a burning African sunset, standing as a sentinel on an arid plain or looming out of the early morning mist, speaks it’s own silent poetry, appealing not only to the mind but also to the heart of all who behold it.

Listed as one of the Big Five most photogenic trees of the Kruger National Park, the umbrella thorn provides a bounty of nourishment and shade for man and beast alike while the wood, bark and roots have benefitted countless generations of people throughout the continent.

These fantastic, sculptural trees can reach a height of 20 meters while the dark, gnarled branches can achieve an impressive spread of up to 13 meters.

The name Acacia is derived from the Greek word ‘akis’ meaning pointed or barb while the Greek word ‘tortilis’ means twisted, referring to the spiral shape of the pods. The word ‘heteracantha’ means different thorns alluding to the straight as well as the hooked thorns that are found on the umbrella thorn.

Wherever the traveller encounters this remarkable symbol of Africa, the sight is bound to leave an indelible impression on the memory, of beauty, dignity and the ongoing rhythm of life that the umbrella thorn represents.

 

 

Chionanthus foveolatus (Pock ironwood)

Each month, our readers look forward to our featured tree review. We conduct in-depth research into each species, to obtain as much information as we possibly can in order to offer you a truly valuable, expansive information resource. All the trees we feature are indigenous species which are suitable for use within commercial and residential landscaping projects and are easily grown throughout most of Southern Africa, but specifically the Western Cape.

 

The tough Chionanthus foveolatus, an attractive member of the olive family, is an asset to any landscape with its silvery grey, slender trunk, bushy crown and neat habit. Add to this the delightfully fragranced flowers and the striking, glossy, deep purple fruit and you have a tree that is perfect for any number of situations. The sweetly fragranced flowers attract bees and insects while many bird species delight in the fruit. Although the Pock ironwood occurs naturally along the South African coastline, these undemanding trees can be grown successfully throughout the country as they adapt easily to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions.

TREE DETAILS
Botanical Name	Chionanthus foveolatus
Common Name	Pock ironwood
Genus	Oleaceae
RSA National Tree No’	615
LANDSCAPING USES
Hardy and ornamental, the Pock ironwood is a rewarding option for many landscaping applications. These charming trees are ideal for townhouse gardens or any area where space is restricted as they have non invasive roots and can be used as a single specimen tree or incorporated with shrubs and perennials to form an eye catching border. These tough trees are perfect for challenging coastal gardens where they can be used as windbreaks as they will tolerate high winds as well as extreme heat. Chionanthus foveolatus should be used far more extensively in the urban landscape as they are a truly decorative, low maintenance option for enhancing hot parking areas as well as adding fragrance and interest to streets and city business parks.
TREE SPECIFICATIONS
Height	5 – 8 m
Spread	3 – 5 m
Deciduous/Evergreen	Evergreen
Growth Habit	The Pock ironwood occurs in coastal and mountain forests as well as on rocky hillsides and dune scrub
Bark	The bark is light to dark grey and on younger trees the bark has a scattering of corky patches
Foliage	The ovate – oblong leaves are opposite, glossy dark green on top and dull pale green below. In the axils of the veins on the underside of the leaf there are small pits that show as bumps on the upper surface giving rise to the name Pock ironwood
Flowers	The sweetly fragranced, creamy white flowers are occasionally tinged with pink and are carried in the leaf axils. They appear from September to December
Fruit	The fleshy ovoid fruits are 1,5 to 3 cm in length and turn a deep purplish black when ripe
Seed	The brownish seed is 3 to 5 mm long
GROWING REQUIREMENTS
Growing regions	Chionanthus foveolatus is common all along the eastern coast of South Africa from the Cape Peninsula all the way up to northern Kwa – Zulu Natal and as far as Limpopo
Growing conditions	The Pock ironwood will grow equally well in sun or shade and although these attractive trees can withstand dry conditions and poor soil they will perform better when they are given a dressing of organic fertilizer and adequate water
Best season	Spring / Summer
Hardiness	These trees will tolerate some frost as well as windy and dry conditions
Propagation	Pock ironwood is easy to propagate as the seeds germinate readily. Plant the seeds in seedling trays and keep moist
Growth rate	Average
INTERESTING FEATURES
As with all the olive species, Chionanthus foveolatus has various medicinal properties. It is the strong, heavy, golden coloured wood however, that is highly valued for making fine furniture as well as attractive and durable household items. An interesting essence is made from this tree at Platbos and this is said to enhance receptivity, intuition, focus, clarity and perspective.

            C. foveolatus Foliage and Flowers                          C. foveolatus Bark                                 C. foveolatus Foliage and Fruit

Spectacular Monthly Tree - November 2012

Although we have many tree species at our nursery that are looking spectacular at any given time, we feature just one tree in particular every month that we know will offer you the best value for money and that will add that special touch to your landscape project.

 

The magnificent, tall, Celtis sinensis is often mistaken for our own stinkwood but differs from the stinkwood in various ways. The leaves of the Chinese hackleberry are covered with coarse hairs while the tips are more tapering and the marginal teeth are larger. These imposing deciduous trees have a wide spreading crown creating lovely dappled shade in summer while the pale grey of the bare branches add an interesting dimension to the winter garden.

 

The flowers that appear from spring to early summer attract bees while the bright orange berries that cover the tree in autumn are relished by birds.

 

Because of their attractive growth habit, these beautiful trees have long been used as an ornamental feature in East Asian classical garden design.

 

 

Botanical Name	Celtis sinensis
Common Name	Chinese hackleberry
Size Available	50lt
Quantity in Stock	150
Average Tree Height	2.5m
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

 

Availability List for November 2012

TreeCo provides our readers with a downloadable, updated Availability List every month.

Please note that should you not find the tree that you are looking for on this list, TreeCo will readily source what you require, on your behalf. Rudi and Leske Neethling personally ensure that all trees supplied by TreeCo, conform to our high quality standards.

 

Please CLICK HERE to download our latest Availability List.

 

This document is available as a PDF document and will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader loaded on your computer, please click on the link below which will allow you to download this free program quickly and easily.

 

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The King Edward vii Yellowwood

Estimated to date back to around the year 1350, the King Edward vii Outeniqua yellowwood (Podocarpus falcatus), in the forest at Diepwalle forestry station between George and Knysna, is generally believed to be the largest of several monumental specimens of this species in the country.

In 1924, during a visit by the British Parliamentary Association, the tree was given the name “King Edward vii” as the delegation, awe inspired by it’s magnificence, were served lunch under the tree.

Surrounded by a thick carpet of ferns and towering to a height of 39 meters, this 662 year old wonder of the forest was originally known as Templeman’s tree.

A story is told that a woodcutter by the name of Templeman bought the tree but, as the tree was so immense, in fact much too large for a woodcutter of that time to deal with, he fortunately never cut it down.

The dimensions of this majestic leviathan are almost unbelievable. The circumference of the trunk, measured at a height of 1.30m from the forest floor is 7 meters while the length of the trunk is 22 meters and the spread of the crown, an amazing 31.5 meters.

Today, as the wind rustles through the leaves and the old man’s beard wafts gently from the branches, this imposing giant enthrals all who have the privilege of walking the trail from Diepwalle forestry station to view this massive, noble example of the Outeniqua yellowwood.

 

 

 

Loxostylis alata (Tarwood)

Each month, our readers look forward to our featured tree review. We conduct in-depth research into each species, to obtain as much information as we possibly can in order to offer you a truly valuable, expansive information resource. All the trees we feature are indigenous species which are suitable for use within commercial and residential landscaping projects and are easily grown throughout most of Southern Africa, but specifically the Western Cape.

 

Loxostylis alata is such a decorative and versatile tree that it really deserves to be used far more extensively. This medium sized, water-wise evergreen has a lovely shape and looks absolutely gorgeous when the beautiful sprays of white flowers appear. As the fruit begins to develop the sepals around the fruit turn deep pink creating a stunning display. Aside from being extremely showy, the Tarwood attracts butterflies, bees and insects which in turn attract many birds to the urban landscape. Loxystylis alata does not make a mess, has non invasive roots, is highly ornamental and can tolerate harsh dry, windy conditions making it an ideal, low maintenance all rounder.

 

 

TREE DETAILS
Botanical Name	Loxostylis alata
Common Name	Tarwood
Genus	Anacardiaceae
RSA National Tree No’	365
LANDSCAPING USES
The changing colours and attractive form of the Tarwood ensures that it will create an eye catching focal point in any landscape as well as providing welcome shade on hot summer days. These delightful trees are ideal for creating a dense screen where privacy is needed as well as forming a formidable windbreak in coastal areas where strong, salt laden winds, harsh sunlight, sandy soil and dry conditions prevail. As more and more people opt for small, low maintenance gardens, Loxostylis alata is a wise choice as these trees are the perfect size for more confined areas while their tidy habit makes them ideal for providing shade on patios and for parking areas. As they are able to withstand harsh growing conditions, Tarwoods are perfect for public areas as well as for street planting.
TREE SPECIFICATIONS
Height	6 - 8m
Spread	3 - 4 m
Deciduous/Evergreen	Evergreen
Growth Habit	Loxostylis alata occurs naturally along river banks and streams, on the fringes of forest as well as on quartzite and sandstone outcrops and cliffs
Bark	The bark of the Tarwood is grey with vertical fissures and appears red where any damage occurs
Foliage	The glossy, dark green leaves are compound with a single leaflet at the tip and the rachis are markedly winged
Flowers	From November to February the dense terminal sprays of fragrant flowers appear. Male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. The male flowers are white while the female flowers have a greenish tinge.
Fruit	Once the petals of the female flowers fall the sepals surrounding the developing fleshy, globose red fruit enlarge, and turn bright pink to brick red
Seed	The oval seed is dull brown
GROWING REQUIREMENTS
Growing regions	These trees can be found on the edge of the Karoo but are more widely distributed in the Eastern Cape and Kwa Zulu Natal
Growing conditions	This lovely small tree will grow well in full sun or semi shade. Plant in a large hole with plenty of compost and organic fertilizer. Water regularly for the first two years
Best season	Spring / Summer
Hardiness	The Tarwood is drought tolerant and will withstand wind and mild frost
Propagation	The seeds germinate easily but care should be taken not to damage the root-ball when transplanting
Growth rate	Medium to fast
INTERESTING FEATURES
The leaves as well as the bark of Loxostylis alata have medicinal properties and are traditionally used in childbirth to control labour pain while the extract also boosts the immune system. Scientific tests have been carried out to establish the effectiveness of substances from this tree in controlling various avian diseases

 

                 L alata Flowers                   L. alata Fruit                      L. alata Leaves