Cussonia spicata aka Common Cabbage Tree

Cussonia spicata has medium water needs and enjoys ample water, especially when young. Water regularly during spring and summer so that the soil never completely dries out, though the tree can tolerate brief periods of drought. Established trees become increasingly drought-tolerant, but young specimens require consistent moisture for optimal growth. During winter, reduce watering frequency but maintain some soil moisture.

Cussonia spicata is highly adaptable and grows well in sandy, clay, or loam soils with neutral pH. The key requirement is good drainage - the soil should retain some moisture but not become waterlogged. Adding sand and fine potting soil can improve drainage if necessary. In nature, these trees often grow in rocky locations where their roots establish in crevices filled with organic matter.

Cussonia spicata is best propagated from fresh seed. Harvest ripe seeds, wash off the thin pulp layer, and sow immediately into a fine seedling germination mixture with a light covering of soil. Germination takes 3-8 weeks. Keep seedlings in their trays for the first year, then transplant to individual containers at the start of year two. Cuttings are possible but produce inferior root systems compared to seed-grown plants.

Cussonia spicata is a fast-growing tree that typically reaches 10-15 meters in height, with exceptional specimens growing to 17 meters. The canopy spread ranges from 4.5 to 9 meters at maturity. Young trees display a single stem with a rosette of large compound leaves at the top, while mature trees develop thick, sculptural branches with multiple leaf clusters.

Cussonia spicata is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9b-11, tolerating minimum temperatures of 25-30°F (-3.8 to -1.1°C). The tree does not tolerate extreme frost, particularly when young. Frost tolerance varies by origin - highland forms are more frost-hardy than subtropical coastal varieties. Young trees require protection during their first few winters. The tree thrives in seasonally dry tropical and subtropical climates with full sun exposure.

Cussonia spicata is native to the wetter regions of sub-Saharan Africa, with a distribution extending from South Sudan through eastern and southern Africa to the Comoros Islands. It occurs naturally in South Africa (Cape Provinces, KwaZulu-Natal), Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Botswana. The tree grows in various habitats including grasslands, forest margins, and rocky outcrops at moderate elevations in seasonally dry tropical and subtropical biomes.

Cussonia spicata produces flowers from late spring through summer (November to May in the Southern Hemisphere). The greenish-yellow flowers are small and arranged in dense spikes at the branch tips - the name 'spicata' refers to this spike-like arrangement. The nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to pollinators including bees and butterflies. After pollination, small fleshy purple-maroon fruits develop, which are eaten by birds.

Cussonia spicata is pollinated by insects, particularly bees and butterflies. The small greenish-yellow flowers produce abundant nectar that attracts various pollinating insects. PlantZAfrica notes the tree 'attracts birds and butterflies', while the Useful Tropical Plants database confirms insect pollination. The dense flower spikes provide easy access for pollinators, and the extended flowering season (spring through summer) ensures ample pollination opportunities.

Cussonia spicata is generally robust but can be prone to psylla (psyllid) infestations. These small sap-sucking insects cause characteristic pimple-like growths on the leaves, which while unsightly, rarely cause serious harm to established trees. The condition can be controlled with systemic insecticide if necessary. The tree is otherwise relatively pest and disease resistant when grown in appropriate conditions with good drainage.

Cussonia spicata tolerates temperatures down to 25-30°F (-3.8 to -1.1°C) but does not survive extended periods below freezing. Young trees are particularly frost-sensitive and require winter protection during their first few years. Frost tolerance varies significantly by origin - forms from highland areas are more cold-hardy than those from subtropical coastal regions. The tree thrives in warm subtropical to tropical climates and performs best when protected from severe frost.

Cussonia spicata does not transplant well once established due to its extensive and potentially destructive root system. Young container plants should be moved to larger pots carefully, protecting the fleshy roots from damage. When repotting, use well-draining soil and handle the root system gently. Keep trees away from buildings and underground services due to their vigorous root growth.

The thick roots from young Cussonia spicata trees are edible and can be dug up, peeled, and chewed like cassava to relieve hunger and thirst. This is a traditional survival and subsistence use rather than a regular food source. The roots are also succulent and serve as a water source in times of need. However, there are conflicting historical reports about root toxicity, so caution is advised. The leaves are used as fish poison in Tanzania, indicating potential toxicity in other plant parts.

Cussonia spicata has extensive traditional medicinal uses in African traditional medicine. The leaves are used to treat malaria, indigestion, constipation, and snakebite. Bark decoctions treat malaria similar to tonic water. Root preparations are used for malaria treatment, as diuretics, and for venereal diseases. In ethnoveterinary medicine, it treats retained placenta and gastrointestinal parasites in livestock. Scientific studies have confirmed antibacterial, antimalarial, and antiproliferative properties, validating some traditional uses.

Beyond food and medicine, Cussonia spicata has several practical uses. The soft, lightweight wood is used for making temporary stools, doors, water troughs, beehives, wheelbarrow wheels, and historically for ox-wagon brake blocks. The tree serves as boundary and grave markers in some cultures. It's valued ornamentally as a focal point or architectural specimen plant, providing shade in gardens. The flowers attract pollinators, making it beneficial for biodiversity.