Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Forest Cabbage Tree

This is the 107th article in an ongoing series that highlights the riches of Pigeon Valley, the urban nature reserve in the heart of Glenwood. The focus of this article is on the Forest Cabbage Tree.

Much of the profile of the coastal forest is that of smoothly rolling carpet, with the copious creepers that the trees support giving a sense of slopes and dips, rather than sharply separated trees. Occasionally, though, a tree breaks through the canopy and asserts itself independently. One of the most distinctive of these is the Forest Cabbage Tree, which rejoices in the scientific name of Cussonia sphaerocephala (round-headed).

Indeed, given time the head of the tree forms a complete sphere; the unusually shaped leaves all connecting to the central hub of the sphere. This is so evocative of this part of the KZN coast; in fact Pigeon Valley is where the tree was first identified as a separate species.

ALSO READ: Exploring Pigeon Valley: Fledglings

Typically, this tree has a long trunk before it starts to branch – enabling it to fit into a small area at the base. The spiky bare heads in the photo form what looks like a candelabra, referred to as an umbel. Each spike in the umbel has a thick tip where the flowers will soon emerge, crammed together.

Later, the fruits will form on these spikes; these attract bird life. The tree is fast-growing and hardy.

It is very decorative and its presence in the suburbs reminds one that so much of this area was once coastal forest.

Crispin Hemson chairs the Friends of Pigeon Valley, a group that undertakes clearing of alien plants, keeps records of bird and mammal sightings and alerts management to any problems.

The Friends have a monthly walk at 7.30am on the second Saturday of each month. Email: friendsofpigeonvalley1@gmail.com.

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