Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Aspalathus

Species:

Aspalathus pinguis subsp. occidentalis

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, other pollinators

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Requires fire for germination

Fire Notes:

Fynbos species adapted to fire cycle. Seeds respond to smoke cues for germination, typical of fire-dependent Cape flora with heat and smoke stimulating recruitment.

Source: Claude claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929 Batch

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Smoke treatment or smoke-derived compounds significantly improve germination rates. Scarification and hot water treatment may enhance germination.

Source: Claude claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929 Batch