Tag Archives | indigenous

Useful resource on indigenous / endemic plants

By on November 1, 2010 in flowers, garden, indigenous, tree

Here is a useful resource I came across the other day, added to the site for “the benefit of gardeners.” It is a searchable database of plants used by the Ethekwini Municipality’s Urban Design Team. See details HERE. While this might have a particularly Durban flavour (and the database is limited), I think the information [...]

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Essential Amathole

By on April 7, 2010 in environment, flowers, garden, indigenous, medicinal, sustainability

“Located in the scenic Amathole region of the Eastern Cape in South Africa, Essential Amathole has been established to produce a range of organic essential oils and medicinal plant extracts for the global market”. Still and nursery in Hogsback As many of you know, I keep returning to Hogsback, and Essential Amathole is one of [...]

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Indigenous Tree Plantations

By on November 13, 2009 in indigenous, sustainability

A research project, solicited and funded by the Water Research Commission and the Dept. of Water Affairs (Working for Water Programme) and led by the CSIR, has been commissioned to investigate rates of water-use and growth within indigenous tree systems.  The main objectives of the project are to improve our knowledge of how much water [...]

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Indigenous Impatiens

By on October 27, 2009 in indigenous

Just had to share this plant. It is Impatiens hochsteterii. Indigenous to our country. Likes fairly light open shade.  It seems to only grow from seedling and not from cutting. Has anyone had experience with these indigenous plants or had any luck with propagation from cutting. I have managed to salvage seedlings but they are [...]

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Indigenous Plant Fair

By on August 24, 2009 in indigenous

The most exciting day in the gardeners diary is almost upon us.  The annual Botanical Society’s Indigenous plant fair takes place from 9 am – 4 pm on the 5th and 6th of Septemper, at the Munies Sports Field, John Zikhali Road (new name for Sydenham Road), Durban (just below the Botanic Gardens).  This popular [...]

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Any ideas about these little gems

By on March 19, 2009 in garden

I’ve been told they are indigenous and that they are also used as a protection plant of sorts in Zulu culture. That is all I know. Anyone got any more to say?

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Honeysuckle up a tree

By on February 27, 2009 in indigenous, tree

Just a short post – my Cape Honeysuckle has trailed up a Wild Fig tree and is flowering in the top branches.  The bright orange contrasts strikingly with the dark green fig leaves and as the tree grows its going to drag the honeysuckle up with it.  Its the start of a wonderful relationship …

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Indigenous Lantana

By on February 19, 2009 in indigenous

I remember as a kid getting lectured at school about the evils of lantana – I think I even went on a school trip to clear it out of our neighbourhood. Back then it was the number one invader species in Durban and everyone was out to get it (see more about invader species and, [...]

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Beautiful Ruttyruspolia

By on February 16, 2009 in indigenous

My Ruttyruspolia (semi-deciduous shrub, family acanthaceae) is currently flowering.  It has scrambled into a nearby coral tree and the flowers are hanging down between the branches, in great swoops.

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What tree is this?

By on February 15, 2009 in indigenous, tree

This tree was growing in my garden when we moved in.  Someone told me it was indigenous but I don’t have its proper name and couldn’t source it in any of my books. It has a thick, rough bark, thin leaves and long, pod-shaped seeds, but what I really like about it are its flowers.  [...]

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