Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Aspalathus

Species:

Aspalathus acanthes

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

100 cm

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Native Range

ZAF

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, native pollinators

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Requires fire for germination

Fire Notes:

Seeds exhibit smoke-stimulated germination typical of fynbos legumes. Plants resprout vigorously after fire, and recruitment is enhanced by fire-related cues in this fire-prone ecosystem.

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Smoke treatment significantly improves germination rates as with many fynbos species. Seeds have hard coats requiring scarification or fire-related cues.

Propagation data sourced from Claude AI