Heteromorpha trifoliata abyssinica

Heteromorpha trifoliata abyssinica

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Common Names

Common Parsley Tree (english)
Gewone Pietersielieboom (afrikaans)
Muthatha-vhanna (venda)
Serethe (tswana)
Umbangandlala (zulu)

Taxonomy

Family APIACEAE
Genus Heteromorpha
Species trifoliata
Variegata abyssinica
SA Plant Number 568
Basionym Heteromorpha trifoliata abyssinica

Description

Heteromorpha trifoliata subsp. abyssinica is a slender, very hardy, deciduous, drought resistant, fast growing tree. An attractive feature of this tree is its glossy, waxy, coppery coloured, peeling bark.

The grey-green leaves which turn yellow and red in autumn smell of parsley when crushed, hence the common name.

The graceful heads of small, yellowish flowers are borne from January to April and attract many insects which in turn attract birds.

All parts of the tree are aromatic. Ideal tree for a small garden, especially to attract birds and other wildlife.

This tree is considered to bring good luck and is used for a variety of medicinal and magical purposes.

Size 2 to 7m

Wildlife

Wildlife garden plant:

The flowers attract many insects and in turn attract insectivorous birds to the garden.

Uses

Aromatic:

All parts of the tree are aromatic

Distribution

Limpopo, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal, Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Western Cape


Biome:
Forest

Natural Habitat:

Forest margins, wooded ravines, hillsides and riverine forest.

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