Page 31 - Intra Muros October Issue 2024

GARDENING

KNOW YOUR TREES

very year, South Africa celebrates Arbor Week from 1 to 7 Game animals such as kudu, roan antelope and sable browse
September. It is a national campaign run by the Department of the leaves of the tree, which can serve as an important food
EAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) to celebrate South source for them in times of drought.
Africa’s trees and to raise awareness about their importance. This The density of the plant makes it suitable for use as a screen
year’s theme is “30 Years of Freedom: Promoting Environmental or barrier against wind and noise, or to provide privacy.
Conservation and Sustainable Forest Management.”
It was chosen to highlight not only the critical role that trees Apodytes dimidiata subsp. dimidiata, Whitepear
and forests play in sustaining our environment, but also the role This tree is a good choice for the home garden as it is a small
they play within South Africa’s economy and our communities. evergreen that grows up to five metres tall, with a neat, well-
Two different species are chosen each year as Tree of the Year rounded crown. Young plants are relatively slow growing, but the
– one common and one rare species. This, to increase our general growth rate improves when the tree is established.
knowledge of indigenous trees and promote their planting. The It can be planted near the house and will not disturb the
trees for 2024 are as follows: foundations or paved areas.
This is a small, bushy tree. Prune off the lower branches and it
Searsia Iancea, Black Karee and Searsia leptodictya, will make a beautiful single-stemmed specimen.
Mountain Karee Apodytes dimidiata forms sprays of scented white flowers
These two species are medium-sized, low-branching trees with that are borne in summer, followed by attractive berries in mid
attractive round canopies. They usually grow to a height of seven to late summer.
to eight metres, but can be larger under favourable conditions. The red aril of the fruits will attract a variety of birds, including
A Black Karee is evergreen and has long, thinnish, hairless the Black Eyed Bulbul, Rameron Pigeon, Red-winged and Glossy
dark green leaves. It is a fast grower and is tolerant to drought Starlings, Guinea Fowl and Pied Barbets.
and cold. The plant can be used as a hedge or screening plant and is
Leaves of the Mountain Karee are wider and shorter. The real suitable for planting in areas next to the swimming pool. The
difference is that the tree is deciduous and only semi frost-hardy. fruits are not fleshy and therefore cause no mess on paved areas.
Sweetly scented flowers are produced by both species from The white pear thrives in well-drained, compost-rich soil and
June until September which attract bees and other insects. The needs regular irrigation. It is mostly endemic to KwaZulu-Natal
fruit is a popular food source for birds. and Limpopo. Small trees need to be protected against frost.
Searsia lancea is useful in providing natural soil stabilisation Given the correct soil and climate conditions the Whitepear
and increasing the infiltration of rainwater into the soil, thereby is a beautiful tree to plant. The Black Karee can be messy, but it is
reducing erosion and raising the ground water table. still an excellent choice for Gauteng gardens.

Ap
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Sear sia lanc ea Apodytes dimidiata - Whitepear
Searsia lancea
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s dimidia
ta - Whit
Sources:
https://forestry.co.za/industry-info/tree-of-the-year/
https://pza.sanbi.org/searsia-lancea
https://pza.sanbi.org/apodytes-dimidiata-subspdimidiata
Indigenous Plant Palettes by Marijke Honig
Tel: 012 804 1807 |Fax: 012 804 0278
Web: www.garden-group.co.za | Email: admin@garden-group.co.za

sia lept
Sear
Searsia leptodictya
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INTRAMUROS OCTOBER 2024 | 29