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Cabbage Tree
Cussonia spicata
SA tree no: 564
English: Cabbage Tree, Lowveld Cabbage Tree, Spiked Cabbage Tree, Common Cabbage Tree
Afrikaans: Kiepersol, Kiepersolboom, Nooiensboom, Nooisboom, Oumeidboud, Sambreëlboom, Waaiboom, Weiboom
Xhosa: umSenge
Zulu: umGqonci
N. Sotho: Motshetshe
Tsonga: Nsenge
Venda: Musenzhe
Historical scientific names: Cussonia kraussii
Cussonia spicata, commonly known as Cabbage Tree or Kiepersol, is an iconic indigenous evergreen tree. It is instantly recognisable by its distinctive, large, palm-like, deeply lobed leaves clustered at the ends of thick branches, giving it a somewhat architectural or tropical appearance. This striking tree is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping, particularly for its unique form and interesting foliage.
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Distinguishing features:
Large, distinctive, palm-like leaves, deeply divided into numerous leaflets (digitately compound).
Leaves are clustered at the ends of thick, fleshy branches.
Bark is smooth and greenish-grey when young, becoming rougher and often corky or furrowed with age.
Flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and densely packed in long, upright, finger-like spikes (spikes are often branched).
Fruits are small, fleshy, purple-brown berries.
Overall architectural and somewhat "tropical" appearance.
Overall appearance:
The Cabbage Tree (Cussonia spicata) is a truly unique and distinctive evergreen tree that stands out in any landscape. It's famous for its thick, rather stubby branches that are topped with dramatic, large, palm-like leaves, deeply divided into several finger-like leaflets. This gives the tree a somewhat architectural and exotic look, making it a real statement plant in a South African garden.
Height:
Typically grows 5 to 15 metres tall, but can reach up to 20 metres in favourable conditions.
Width:
Forms an open, spreading crown, usually 3 to 8 metres wide.
Leaves:
The leaves are the most striking feature. They are very large (up to 60 cm across), digitately compound (like the fingers of a hand), with 5 to 9 deeply lobed or divided leaflets radiating from a central point. The leaflets themselves are usually oblong to obovate, with serrated or toothed margins. They are a glossy dark green on the upper surface and paler beneath, and are borne on long petioles (leaf stalks) that can be up to 60 cm long. The leaves are clustered at the ends of thick branches, giving the tree its characteristic silhouette.
Flowers:
The flowers are small, inconspicuous, and greenish-yellow. They are densely packed into long, upright, finger-like spikes (spikes or panicles of spikes). These spikes are usually clustered at the ends of branches, often resembling a candelabra. The flowers are typically hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts, though some trees may have predominantly male or female flowers.
Flowering season:
Flowers mainly in autumn to winter (around April to July), making it an important food source during a time when many other plants are not flowering.
Fruits:
The fruit is a small (about 4-6 mm in diameter), fleshy, rounded drupe that is often ribbed or angled. It ripens from green to a dark purple-brown or blackish colour when mature and is densely packed along the flower spikes.
Seeds:
Each fruit contains one or two small, hard seeds. These are dispersed by birds and other animals.
Bark/Stems:
The bark on young stems is smooth and greenish-grey, often with prominent leaf scars. As the tree matures, the bark becomes rougher, more furrowed, and develops a distinct corky texture, often becoming light grey or brownish. The branches are thick and somewhat fleshy.
Thorns:
None.
Wood:
The wood is soft, light, and spongy, making it unsuitable for timber but traditionally used for items like domestic utensils, brake blocks for wagons, and insulation.
Roots:
Possesses a strong, often fleshy, taproot system with spreading lateral roots, anchoring it firmly. The roots can be quite extensive.
Soil type:
Highly adaptable to a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy or clay soils, provided there is good drainage. It prefers well-drained, fertile soils but is tolerant of less ideal conditions. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Aspect:
Thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is moderately frost-tolerant; mature trees can withstand light to moderate frosts (down to -5°C to -8°C), but young trees should be protected. It is remarkably drought-tolerant once established due to its succulent nature and deep roots. It is also tolerant of coastal conditions.
Ediblity:
The roots are sometimes eaten in times of famine, and are said to be somewhat watery and sweet. The fruit is generally considered edible by some, but not a primary food source for humans.
Toxicity:
Generally considered non-toxic.
Uses:
Highly valued as an ornamental tree in gardens, parks, and large landscapes for its distinctive architectural form and striking foliage.
Excellent as a specimen tree, providing strong visual interest.
Traditionally used by indigenous communities for its soft wood (e.g., for brake blocks, insulation), and sometimes the roots were consumed.
Important fodder tree for livestock in some areas.
The leaves are sometimes used in traditional medicine for various ailments.
Ecology:
The small, inconspicuous flowers, despite their size, are an important source of nectar for bees and other insects, especially during the dry winter months. The fleshy fruits are highly attractive to a wide variety of birds (e.g., barbets, turacos, starlings, bulbuls) and other fruit-eating animals, which are crucial for seed dispersal. This makes Cussonia spicata a vital component of the ecosystem, providing food for wildlife during a challenging season.
Distribution and habitat:
Cussonia spicata is indigenous to South Africa and is one of the most widespread Cabbage Tree species. It is naturally found in all nine provinces of South Africa: Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. It grows in a wide range of habitats, from coastal forests and dunes to savanna, rocky outcrops, woodlands, and mountain slopes, demonstrating its remarkable adaptability.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Cussonia honours Pierre Cusson (1727-1783), a French botanist, physician, and professor of botany at the University of Montpellier, known for his work on umbelliferous plants.
The species epithet spicata is Latin for 'spiked' or 'bearing spikes', referring to the characteristic long, upright flower and fruit spikes.
The common name "Cabbage Tree" refers to the resemblance of the large leaves clustered at the branch ends to a cabbage head, while "Kiepersol" is an Afrikaans name often used for species in this genus, possibly derived from an Indonesian word for umbrella, reflecting the tree's umbrella-like canopy.
Historical aspects:
The Cabbage Tree has long been a significant tree in Southern African cultural and natural landscapes. Its unique appearance has made it a recognisable landmark in many areas. Indigenous communities have traditionally used its soft wood for practical purposes and its roots for sustenance. Its adaptability and striking form have also led to its widespread planting in gardens and urban areas since colonial times, becoming a beloved indigenous ornamental tree.
Interesting facts:
This tree is like a living sculpture with its amazing, hand-shaped leaves that are bigger than your head!
Even though it's called a 'Cabbage Tree', it doesn't actually grow cabbages – the name just comes from how its big leaves look.
It flowers in winter, which is super helpful for bees and birds because there aren't many other food sources around then.
The wood is so soft it was traditionally used for things like stopping wagons, which sounds a bit wild!
Growing tips:
Propagation: Best propagated from fresh seed, which can be slow to germinate. Cuttings are also possible but often difficult.
Light: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Watering: Drought-tolerant once established but appreciates moderate watering, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, particularly in heavy soils.
Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, but prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
Container: Can be grown in large containers when young, but its size eventually requires planting in the ground.
Maintenance: Generally low maintenance. Young trees may need protection from severe frost. Pruning is usually not required for shape but can be done to remove lower branches if desired.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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