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Natal Wax Flower
Cynanchum natalitium
SA tree number
English: Natal Wax Flower, Natal Buckhorn, Monkey Rope
Afrikaans: Natalse Wasblom, Klimop
Zulu: Umdiza (general term for some climbing plants)
Historical scientific names: Ceropegia natalitia, Sarcostemma natalitium
Cynanchum natalitium, commonly known as Natal Wax Flower or Natal Buckhorn, is an elegant indigenous evergreen climber or scrambler. It is distinguished by its slender, wiry stems, opposite, somewhat fleshy, heart-shaped leaves, and clusters of unique, small, bell-shaped flowers that are typically greenish-yellow to brownish-purple, with a fascinating "cage-like" structure at the top. This attractive plant twines through vegetation or over rocks, adding subtle beauty to its natural habitats.
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Distinguishing features:
Slender, wiry, twining stems.
Opposite, heart-shaped (cordate) to oval leaves, often somewhat fleshy or succulent.
Unique bell-shaped flowers, greenish-yellow to brownish-purple, with a distinctive dark "cage-like" structure formed by the fused corolla lobes.
Flowers borne in axillary clusters.
Fruits are slender, paired follicles (seed pods).
Often found climbing or scrambling through other plants.
Overall appearance:
The Natal Wax Flower (Cynanchum natalitium) is a delicate and fascinating indigenous evergreen climber. It forms a graceful network of slender, twining stems adorned with glossy, heart-shaped leaves. Its most captivating feature is its clusters of small, unusual, bell-shaped flowers, which are typically greenish-yellow and crowned with a dark, cage-like structure, giving them a truly intriguing look.
Height:
Can climb or scramble up to 1 to 3 metres, depending on support.
Width:
Spreads as wide as its support allows, generally 1 to 2 metres.
Leaves:
The leaves are opposite, simple, and typically heart-shaped (cordate) to broadly oval or ovate, measuring about 2-7 cm long and 1.5-4 cm wide. They are glossy, often somewhat fleshy or succulent, and bright to dark green on the upper surface, paler beneath. The margins are entire (smooth), and the apex is usually pointed.
Flowers:
The flowers are small, bell-shaped (urceolate), and unique in their structure. They are typically greenish-yellow, often tinged with brown or purple, especially on the inner surface. A key identifying feature is the fusion of the corolla lobes at the top, forming a distinctive dark purplish-brown, cage-like or lantern-like structure, often with fine hairs. The flowers are borne in small clusters (cymes) in the leaf axils. Cynanchum natalitium flowers are hermaphroditic.
Flowering season:
Flowers mainly in summer to autumn (around December to April), but can flower sporadically throughout the year in favourable conditions.
Fruits:
The fruit consists of a pair of slender, tapering, smooth follicles (seed pods), typically 5-10 cm long, that are borne at an acute angle to each other, resembling "horns" or "spindles." They are green when young and turn brownish as they mature.
Seeds:
Each follicle contains numerous flat, oval, brown seeds, each with a tuft of long, silky, white hairs (a coma) at one end, which aids in wind dispersal.
Stems:
The stems are slender, wiry, herbaceous to slightly woody at the base, and twining or scrambling. They are typically green, sometimes with a reddish tinge, and climb by twining around other plants or supports.
Thorns:
None.
Roots:
Produces a fibrous root system, sometimes with slightly thickened or tuberous roots that can store water, helping it survive drier periods.
Soil type:
Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. It tolerates a range of soil conditions but is sensitive to waterlogging. It can grow in moderately fertile soils.
Aspect:
Thrives in partial shade to full shade, especially in hotter regions. It can tolerate some morning sun. It prefers humid conditions and requires consistent moisture but is also somewhat drought-tolerant once established. It is sensitive to severe frost; temperatures below 0°C can damage the foliage, and prolonged freezing will kill it, so it requires protection in colder areas. It often grows in sheltered positions within coastal bush or forest.
Ediblity:
Not considered edible for humans.
Toxicity:
As a member of the Apocynaceae family (which includes many toxic plants), caution is advised. While Cynanchum natalitium is not widely reported as highly toxic, some species in this family contain cardiac glycosides. It is best to assume it may be mildly toxic if ingested and to avoid consumption.
Uses:
Highly valued as an ornamental plant for trellises, fences, pergolas, or allowed to scramble through shrubs or over rocks, showcasing its unique flowers.
Can be grown in containers, allowing its delicate stems to cascade.
Due to its indigenous nature and delicate habit, it is an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens, especially in its natural distribution range.
Ecology:
The unique, bell-shaped flowers with their "cage-like" structures are adapted for pollination by certain insects, particularly flies, which are attracted to their form and possibly a subtle scent. The seeds, with their silky hairs, are effectively dispersed by wind. As a scrambler, it provides cover and habitat for small invertebrates and contributes to the structural diversity of the plant community in forest margins and bushveld.
Distribution and habitat:
Cynanchum natalitium is indigenous to South Africa and is primarily found in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, extending northwards into Mpumalanga and Limpopo. It typically grows in coastal bush, thicket, forest margins, and open woodlands, often scrambling over rocks or through other vegetation in sheltered, often moist, positions.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Cynanchum is derived from the Greek words 'kyon' (dog) and 'anchein' (to strangle), possibly referring to some species being poisonous to dogs or having a constricting habit.
The species epithet natalitium refers to KwaZulu-Natal, the region where it was first extensively collected and described, meaning "of Natal".
The common name "Natal Wax Flower" refers to its native region and the waxy texture often associated with flowers in this family, particularly its former genus Ceropegia (it was previously Ceropegia natalitia).
The recent taxonomic reclassification places it under Cynanchum.
Historical aspects:
This plant has been known and cultivated for its unique flowers for many years, often under the genus Ceropegia. Its reclassification to Cynanchum reflects more recent botanical understanding based on genetic research. Its delicate beauty and unique floral structure have long made it an interesting subject for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Interesting facts:
This plant has flowers that look like tiny, intricate little cages or lanterns – they're super cool and unusual!
Even though its stems are slender, they're excellent at twining and climbing, often creating a delicate natural curtain.
The seeds come with their own fluffy white parachutes, so they can float away on the wind and start new plants far away!
It's part of a plant family (Apocynaceae) that includes some very famous, but often tricky, plants like the poisonous Oleander, so it's a good reminder that not all beautiful plants are for tasting!
Growing tips:
Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings, which root readily in moist soil, or from fresh seed.
Light: Prefers partial to full shade. It can tolerate some morning sun but dislikes harsh, direct afternoon sun.
Watering: Water regularly during the growing season (summer), allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. It is somewhat drought-tolerant once established.
Soil: Plant in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with good organic content. Good drainage is crucial.
Container: Excellent for containers, especially with a small trellis or allowed to spill over the sides.
Maintenance: Low maintenance. Can be pruned to control size or shape. Provide support for climbing. Protect from severe frost.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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