Gardenia cornuta

Common Names

Tongakatjiepiering (afrikaans)
Tonga Gardenia (english)
umValasangweni (zulu)

Taxonomy

Family RUBIACEAE
Genus Gardenia
Species cornuta
SA Plant Number 690.1
Basionym Gardenia cornuta

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Description

Gardenia cornuta is a small, evergreen, decorative tree. It is multi-stemmed with grey-green mottled bark on erect, stiff branches.

The leaves are clustered at the ends of the hard twigs, and are shiny light green with wavy margins.

Scented, star-like white flowers adorn the tree from December to March, making it a sight to behold. They fade to creamy yellow as they get older.

These are followed by oval woody fruit that turn yellow. The fruit is eaten by monkeys when it is young, and nyala also relish the fruit.

Plant in a spot that is protected from frost, in sun or very light, dappled shade.

Size up to 5m

Wildlife

Leaves:
Leaves are browsed by gameFruit:
Fruit is eaten by monkeys when it is still young, and it is one of the preferred foods of Nyala.

Uses

Traditional:
The isiZulu name "umValasangweni" means "to close the gate". It is planted at the gates of the homestead to ward off evil spirits and is also used to close cattle kraals (enclosures).

Distribution

KwaZulu Natal

Attributes

Size: Small to Medium, Growth Rate: Moderate, Evergreen or Deciduous: Deciduous , Frost Hardiness: Protect when young, Frost Hardiness: Susceptible to Frost, Plant Type: Tree, Position: Full Sun, Position: Semi-shade, Soil: Loamy Soil, Soil: Well-drained, Edible: Non-Edible, Medicinal: Medicinal, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Form Plant, Garden Uses: Small Gardens, Garden Uses: Specimen, Biome: Thicket, Habitat: Bushveld, Drought Hardiness: Drought Resistant

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Flowering
Fruiting