THIS week, we look at one of the prettiest summer-flowering indigenous trees, the Dais cotinifolia in full bloom.
Commonly known as the pompon tree, Kannabas in Afrikaans, inTozwane-emnyama in Zulu and inTozani in Xhosa, this small to medium tree with its almost-perfect rounded crown, is ideal for small and townhouse gardens.
While it can be multi-stemmed in its natural surrounds, if you would prefer a single stem tree then purchase a young specimen with a straight stem and thumb-prune (pull, don’t cut) any growth along the stem as it grows and matures.
The leaves on this tree are simple, bright green and are scattered up the branches or crowded at the ends of the branches.
In cooler areas the tree is deciduous, but not for a long period. The flower buds stand out from the tree as bright green, rounded balls on thin stalks and then open to reveal many deep pink flowers that resemble puff balls.
A tree that flowers prolifically is a true sight to behold. Flowering occurs from November through to late December, depending on the climate and usually starts from the second year.
The flowers attract a host of insects, including butterflies and birds.
Be sure when you plant the tree to include bonemeal or 2.3.2 to promote root development and then feed it with Talborne’s organic 5.1.5 at the start of each season to promote healthy leaf and flower production and protect the root area with a thick layer of organic matter.
Also read: Plant indigenous trees
An interesting fact about the bark – and I don’t own a tree – is that it is apparently difficult to tear off a branch from the Dais cotinifolia as the bark tends to tear off in strips.
The bark can be used as thread or cord and is reported to have the strongest fibre of any tree in KwaZulu-Natal. This tree grows quickly, will tolerate drought conditions once established and has a non-aggressive root system.
However, do not plant it, or any tree for that matter, too close to a boundary wall as the lateral roots, as they mature, can lift walls.
Most Dais cotinifolia benefit from some shade during the day although I have seen this tree thrive in the hot parking lot at Richdens Shopping Centre in Hillcrest.
If you would like to shape the tree, pruning must be done immediately after it has flowered as the tree flowers best on the previous year’s growth.
Contact the Conservancy chairman, George Victor, on 073 901 3902, e-mail georgevic@telkomsa.net, visit the website www.hillcrestconservancy.co.za or contact Lindsay Gray at info@schoolofgardendesign.com
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