Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Aspalathus

Species:

Aspalathus empetrifolia

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Shrub

Height:

120 cm

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

aug,sep,oct,nov

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, other pollinators

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously from rootstock after fire, typical of fynbos legumes. Flowering often enhanced post-fire due to reduced competition and nutrient release.

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seed coat scarification or smoke treatment improves germination. Seeds respond positively to smoke-derived compounds typical of fire-adapted fynbos species.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI