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

Spectacular Monthly Tree - October 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.

 

Rhus lancea is a graceful evergreen with slender drooping branches, giving it an almost willow like appearance. Widespread throughout the country, the Karree grows in open woodland, along rivers and streams and is often found growing on termite mounds. The delicate appearance of this attractive tree belies it’s hardiness, as it can withstand frost as well as very dry conditions, making it an excellent choice as a shade tree in areas with difficult growing conditions.

 

The long leaflets are usually somewhat sickle shaped while the round fruit, which makes an excellent beer, are shiny brown and 4 – 5 mm in diameter when mature. These popular trees are suitable for a wide variety of landscaping applications as they are undemanding and always look lovely.

 

 

Botanical Name	Rhus lancea
Common Name	Karee
Size Available	50lt
Quantity in Stock	200
Average Tree Height	2.3-2.4m
Average Trunk Thickness	3+ cm

 

 

 

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 October 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.

 

TreeCo Big Tree Gallery - October 2012

 

 

 

The Saffron Pear of the Company Gardens

Every spring an ancient tree in Cape Town’s Company Gardens covers itself with beautiful white blossoms to herald in the new season.

The noble old Saffron pear (Pyris communis) was brought to the Cape from Holland in the time of Jan van Riebeeck when the gardens were in the process of being established by master gardener, Hendrick Boor.

The gardens were originally established as a fruit and vegetable garden to provide supplies for ships calling  at the Cape and were later expanded to include an herb and medicinal garden.

Later however, ornamental trees and plants were introduced and the old Saffron pear was the first ornamental tree to be planted in the garden making it the oldest cultivated tree in South Africa.

The original trunk of this magnificent tree eventually succumbed to old age and the four large stems that you see today are suckers that arose after the main trunk died.

In order to preserve this historic icon, major maintenance work was done on the Saffron pear in 1980. This consisted of removing all decomposed material from the four trunks and then treating the cleaned areas with a special sealant. Metal supports were then attached to the trunks to prevent any further damage from the elements.

Many visitors who value the history, peace and beauty of the magnificent Company gardens, spend some time to marvel at the wonderful old Saffron pear and reflect awhile on the 362 years of momentous events that this dignified old tree has survived.

 

 

 

Pittosporum viridiflorum (Cheesewood)

The charming Pittosporum viridiflorum is a really useful evergreen tree with an attractive dense, straight or rounded crown and lovely glossy deep green foliage. The Cheesewood varies in size and shape depending on where it is planted and can be maintained as a small tree of about 4 m or left to grow to it’s full height. These delightful trees are irresistible to insectivorous birds when the sweetly fragrant flowers appear, along with a host of insects, while a wide variety of seed eating birds such as the red eyed dove, flock to the tree when the startlingly bright red seeds appear. Selected as one of the Trees of the Year 2002, Pittosporum viridiflorum is a truly excellent all rounder and is becoming increasingly popular as a garden and street tree throughout the country.

 

TREE DETAILS
Botanical Name	Pittosporum viridiflorum
Common Name	Cheesewood
Genus	Pittosporaceae
RSA National Tree No’	139
LANDSCAPING USES
Pittosporum viridiflorum is a beautiful, low maintenance, well shaped garden tree that can be planted in full sun or semi shade. The non aggressive root system of the charming Cheesewood makes it most suitable for small or townhouse gardens and they do especially well in large pots. These trees always create an eye catching show whether they are planted as a single specimen, as a group or as a lovely dense hedge. When the trusses of flowers appear they will reward you with their delightful honey fragrance wafting on the cool evening breeze and they will create a splash of bright colour when the fruit splits to reveal the masses of brilliant, shiny red seeds that are greatly relished by birds.
TREE SPECIFICATIONS
Height	4 - 15m
Spread	3 - 6 m
Deciduous/Evergreen	Evergreen
Growth Habit	Pittosporum viridiflorum is found growing in bushveld, in tall forest and forest margins as well as in gorges, along river banks and rocky outcrops
Bark	Bark on young trees is smooth and grey with conspicuous lenticles becoming rougher as the tree matures
Foliage	The broadly oblanceolate leaves are glossy dark green above and pale green underneath and are crowded at the ends of the branchlets. They exude a resinous aroma when crushed
Flowers	The small creamy yellow flowers have a sweet honey fragrance and appear in terminal panicles from September to December
Fruit	The yellowish brown fruit capsules are about 6 mm in diameter
Seed	The bright red seeds are covered with a sticky resinous substance
GROWING REQUIREMENTS
Growing regions	Pittosporum viridiflorum is widespread throughout the country occurring from the Western Cape up along the east coast and all the way through Gauteng up to Mpumalanga and Limpopo
Growing conditions	Although Cheesewood can withstand frost and drought conditions, these trees do better when given well drained soil and adequate water
Best season	Spring / Summer
Hardiness	Pittosporum viridiflorum can withstand frost and dry conditions
Propagation	Cheesewood is easily propagated from seed that has been sown in a mixture of compost and sand and kept moist. Propagation by softwood or semi hardwood cuttings is highly successful
Growth rate	Medium to fast
INTERESTING FEATURES
The Cheesewood has a number of medicinal properties and the bark as well as the roots have traditionally been used for a variety of ailments. Infusions of the bark are used to treat stomach complaints and fever, easing pain and having a generally calming effect. The powdered root is believed to have an aphrodisiac effect and is sometimes added to beer. The wood is pale and soft but is sometimes used for kitchen utensils.

             P. viridiflorum Leaves and Flowers                     P. viridiflorum Bark                               P. viridiflorum Flowers & Fruit