Cussonia paniculata (Cabbage tree)

Although classified by the National Trust as a Cussonia spicata, from the form of the leaves and flower it seems that it is the Cussonia paniculata.  It thus may be even more rare than supposed


This lovely example can be see on the north-west corner of the park adjoining the heritage drinking fountain.  Cussonias grow widely in South Africa and typically reach a height of 5 to 9 metres.  Sometimes trees branch from the base, sometimes as is the case of the specimen in the park, from a point considerably higher.  The evergreen leaves are crowded at the point of the branches and are extremely variable.  Often the leaf stalks take th form of large wings, surmounted by 1,3 or 5 leaflets, and these may be further subdivided.


For more information see:


http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/cussoniapan.htm

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