Wairere Nursery Ltd, Auckland: Cussonia plant range. Species include Cussonia paniculata (African Cabbage Tree), Cussonia spicata (Spiked Cabbage Tree).

Cussonia

This species numbering about 20 is native to southern Africa. They are small to medium trees and can be grown in large containers. As cussonia mature they become multi-branched and have a dense mass of large compound leaves. The flowers are fairly insignificant being small and greenish and are followed by red to black juicy fruit. Cussonia spicata is the most common species in cultivation and is often found as an indoor plant when young, though it matures to 6m or so. Once established cussonia will cope with mild frost although they will tend to defoliate. They need good drainage and do not like being waterlogged. In a container they need regular feeding. In South Africa Cussonia paniculata have been known to grow in deep crevices in rocky outcrops with little food or water.

Cussonia paniculata

Cussonia spicata

Cussonia

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