Cussonia spicata

Description

A member of the Araliaceae family, Cussonia is a genus distributed across Tropical and South Africa, alongside Comoros, and the Arabian Peninsula. Cussonia spicata is often known as ‘spiked cabbage tree’, and it’s a favourite for wild elephants to snack on. The distinct, spiked leaves of these plants arch out from unusually long petioles, while the pale green trunk will develop a cork-like surface as the plant matures.

WATERING

In S/S water when 30% of the top soil has dried out. In A/W allow top soil to dry out 50%. Mature plants are drought tolerant.

LIGHT REQUIREMENTS

Full sun, or light shade. Protect from harsh afternoon rays.

FEED

Use a houseplant fertiliser once a month from April – September.

REPOTTING

when roots begin to protrude out of the drainage holes. Use a well draining houseplant potting mix, adding extra drainage such as perlite, pumice or grit.

POT SIZE / HEIGHT

See available sizes below. Please note that, due to their natural variability, specimens’ height may be within 10-20% of the stated height below.

Plant supplied in plastic nursery pot.