Re: on line sources for South African Plants and Seeds
david feix wrote:
>
> Glenn,
>
> I've enjoyed reading your comments on the
> Mediterranean Plants Discussion group, and was
> wondering if you had any information on discussion
> groups or websites which specifically deal with South
> African species?
>
> The following Cape species have been grown here in
> California in the past, or are grown here at Strybing
> Arboretum, but don't seem to be in the trade, can you
> say if it is because they are difficult to propagate,
> or have other drawbacks?
>
> Virgilia capensis, Polygala virgata, Podalyria
> calyptrata, Calodendrum capense(never seems to bloom
> in cooler maritime climates such as San
> Francisco/Strybing)
David
I am quite surprised that the first three of these are so hard to find
in the US trade, as they are widely grown in NZ both in the north and in
many mildly frosty areas further south. Both the Virgilaia and the
Podalyra are freely planted in Wellington gardens and the Podalyra in
particular is considered a good plant for exposed positions.
Virgila is quite hardy too (at least after its first winter), but grows
so fast (like 10ft in two years!) its root will sometimes scarcely
support it and it can easily be blown over. It is very popular though
for giving and established look to new gardens and apparently the poorer
and drier the soil the better it flowers..
Polygala virgata was once quite widely grown but seldom seen today. The
most planted species here is P myrtifolia v grandiflora. Known popularly
as sweetpea bush it is valued for its hardiness (it will stand certainly
at least 6 degrees C of frost). I myself find the flower colour rather
harsh.
I have very fond childhood memories of Calodendron capensis which
despite its name is also native in highland Kenya where I grew up. We
had three well-grown trees in our garden and I can testify they are
magnificent for climbing, having spent a good few of my early years up
in their branches! All three flowered regularly, but one was outstanding
(they were all seedlings).
Although I believe quite well-known in Australia, a lot of NZ is a bit
cool for its liking (not so much minimum but summer maximum temps),
though I understand the odd flowering specimens may be encountered in
the far north coastal towns.
Seedlings apparently take at least 8 years to flower, so grafted plants
are popular to speed maturity.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata (near Wellington, capital city of New Zealand)
