THE Halleria lucida, or ‘tree fuchsia’ was a real show this year. Also known as the ‘white olive’ (apparently the wood is similar to that of the olive), witolienhout in Afrikaans, Indomela in Zulu and Umbinza in Xhosa, this small to medium tree is an absolute bird magnet when in flower and is suited to gardens of all sizes.
When we have a particularly dry winter, our spring/summer-flowering trees usually put on an exceptional floral display, and this was evidenced this year by the Halleria lucida literally dripping with flowers.
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Halleria lucida is sometimes described as a large shrub as it is mostly multi-stemmed, however, when you see a truly mature specimen in a forest (there are some beauties in the forested area of Cotswold Downs), then I think you would refer to it as a tree. The nice thing about the Halleria is that new shoots from the base can be removed and its ultimate width controlled in that manner.
The foliage of this plant is a glossy, bright green foliage that darkens with age. Leaves are held on arching branches, providing the effect of a soft canopy. The tubular orange to brick-red flowers are most unusual in that they flower on short petioles right up against the main trunk and along the branches. Sometimes the flowers are hardly noticeable unless you are up close to the plant but this year the trees were ablaze with orange flowers. A gorgeous pale creamy-yellow variety is also available.
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The flowers of this tree are filled with nectar and attract birds, insects and monkeys. Round green berries follow the flowers almost immediately and look a little like Kiwi fruit inside with their tiny black seeds set in the green flesh. They don’t taste nice, however, and tend to dry the mouth. Of course the birds and monkeys love the fruit so plant one away from the house if you have a troop of monkeys passing through your property and it will keep them busy for hours!.
Cultivation
It is my personal experience that Halleria lucida always does best when planted by a bird, so keep an eye out for any seedlings that are springing up in your garden. The tree can be easily propagated by seed, cuttings or truncheon cuttings, but my preference is to scout around in the garden beds for seedlings popping up that a bird has deposited.
It is fast-growing and can be used as a single specimen, an under-storey tree or as an informal hedge.
I have also seen it grown in a container on a patio.
The other plant in this genus worth exploring is Halleria elliptica, a shrub that grows no taller than a metre and has very similar flowers. This looks gorgeous in a container.
Contact the Hillcrest Conservancy chairman, George Victor, on 073 901 3902, e-mail georgevic@telkomsa.net or the website www.hillcrestconservancy.co.za or contact Lindsay Gray at info@schoolofgardendesign.com
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