YOU might have noticed a stunning shrub growing alongside our roads that is now blooming beautifully, covering itself with a profusion of white, daisy-like flowers with yellow centres.
It is very sad to think that this beautiful flowering plant, the tree daisy or Montanoa hibiscifolia from Central America, is a threat to our indigenous vegetation. According to the Wildlife and Environmental Society of South Africa’s Invasive alien Plants in KwaZulu-Natal handbook, severe infestations of this plant have displaced indigenous plant communities, indicating its potential to become a serious invader.
It prefers shady habitats, but is found throughout our province, and it particularly likes to settle close to drainage lines and streams. Due to its height, it shades out indigenous species. If you spot this plant on your property weed it out as soon as possible before it has a chance to produce seeds and to spread them.
While it has such lovely white flowers, it is easy to replace with indigenous plants. There are so many gorgeous white-flowering natives that occur naturally in our area that a stand of Montanoa won’t be missed.
One of my favourite white-flowering shrubs is my pistol bush or Duvernoia adhatodoides. It is has been flowering for ages in my garden and has been magnificent this year, a tall green pillar smothered with pretty white blooms. This species gets it common name from the pistol-like sound of its seed pods bursting open.
It is easily cultivated, not too fussy about where in the garden it grows – it doesn’t mind a bit of shade – but it is rather thirsty so it probably does best in a seaside garden like mine that receives plenty of rain.
Are there any coastal gardens , indigenous or otherwise, that don’t have at least one Carissa macrocarpa or amantungulu bush? This tough, hardy garden standby needs little attention, makes a wonderful burglar-proof hedge, has eye-catching glossy green leaves and, from time to time, covers itself with large, white, star-shaped flowers. It also produces large, bright red fruit that doesn’t only look good against the glossy green leaves but tastes good as well. A fruiting amatungulu tree will quickly attract the neighbourhood birds, monkeys – and children. The fruit also makes a delicious jam.
This popular garden subject is so well known but it has a small cousin, Carissa bispinosa, that is generally ignored by gardeners. It is a pity because it, too, makes a wonderful garden subject and is perfect for the shade garden. It is a bit like a miniature amatungulu, with similar but daintier and smaller thorns and leaves. When its tiny white flowers appear it really looks magnificent. An added bonus is the sweet scent of a blooming plant.
Another genus that will offer a plethora of white flowers is the Dombeya or wild pear trees, but let’s wait until these gorgeous trees start flowering before we chat about them.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
