Page 15 - Silver Lakes September 2021

GARDENING

ARBOUR WEEK

By Elize Malan

rbour Week is celebrated in the first be shallow and invasive. It will tolerate
week of September, annually. This drought but not shade, and prefers moist
Ais the start of our spring season soil and full sun for optimum growth.
and ideal for planting in general, not only Yellow fragrant pompom flowers appear
for trees. SANBI chose two well-known in early summer. Many insects visit and
species as Trees of the Year for 2021. pollinate these flowers and the caterpillars
of ten species of butterflies rely on the
Vachellia (Acacia) karroo (Sweet Thorn) Sweet Thorn for survival. The tree is grown
This tree needs no introduction and is from seeds that will germinate within
often planted in Gauteng gardens, parks twelve days. Seedlings transplant well and
and on golf courses. It is an evergreen tree are fast growing.
with a mature height of about 10m, in
areas with a moderate climate. Sweet Thorns are found in a variety of
habitats. It is a pioneer plant and can
In cold climates, it is deciduous and slow become invasive in overgrazed areas. The
growing. The tree has a lifespan of about ability of Sweet Thorn roots to fix nitrogen
30 years and will grow in loamy and clayey allows plants to thrive in its shade, making
soils. In clay soil, the root system can it ideal for planting in suburban gardens.
Acacia karroo spray of flowers

Acacia karroo bright yellow pompom (puffball) flowers Acacia karroo thorns and puffball flowers

Acacia karroo can have several flowering seasons Acacia karroo several mature trees

INTRA MUROS SEPTEMBER 2021 13