Indigenous Tree Plantations

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 indigenous tree species use, how efficiently they use that water (e.g. utilisable timber produced per unit of water used) and what potential exists for indigenous tree species to be planted more widely in South Africa.   Over the next 5 years, growth and water-use measurements using specialised techniques (e.g. sap flow and energy balance methods) will be conducted in natural indigenous forests (mixed species / mixed ages) and in indigenous plantations (single species / single age) where possible.

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Indigenous Impatiens

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 battling.

Indigenous Plant Fair

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 indigenous plant extravaganza showcases the widest variety of indigenous plants available in Kwazulu-Natal. Experts are on hand to advise, and displays to inspire. The focus of the fair this year is Planning Your Garden.  For more information tel. 031 201 5111.

It is a bit of a bun-fight but you can get plants here that are impossible to find at nurseries and they are reasonably priced.

Get some Wild Dagga at Indigenous Plant Fair!

Baby Coral Trees

My brother has grown two coral trees from seed and Kirsty has volunteered to give them a good home  (I already have three in my garden).

It really is an easy tree to propagate and is very rewarding in your garden.  It has beautiful, bright red flowers each spring (which attract the sunbirds) and loses all its leaves in winter, which I particularly like.

Baby Coral Trees

Any ideas about these little gems

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?

Who are you little spiky plant?