Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Aspalathus

Species:

Aspalathus macrantha

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Tree , Shrub

Height:

200 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, native pollinators

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Requires fire for germination

Fire Notes:

Germination is strongly stimulated by smoke compounds released during fynbos fires. Seeds can remain viable in soil seed banks for extended periods awaiting fire cues.

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Smoke treatment or smoke-derived compounds significantly enhance germination rates. Scarification of hard seed coat improves water imbibition.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI