Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Aspalathus

Species:

Aspalathus intricata subsp. oxyclada

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Subshrub

Height:

150 cm

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

aug,sep,oct

Bloom Colors:

yellow

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, other pollinators

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Requires fire for germination

Fire Notes:

Fynbos species evolved with frequent fire cycles. Many Aspalathus species show enhanced germination after smoke or heat exposure, typical of fire-dependent Mediterranean-type ecosystems.

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Fynbos species often benefit from smoke treatment or heat shock to break dormancy. Scarification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI