Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Aspalathus

Species:

Aspalathus polycephala subsp. polycephala

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Subshrub

Height:

100 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:

Requires fire for germination

Fire Notes:

Seeds require fire-related cues (heat or smoke) for germination, typical of fynbos vegetation. Plants resprout vigorously after fire from woody rootstock.

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

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require smoke treatment or heat scarification to break dormancy, typical of fynbos legumes. Soaking in hot water may improve germination rates.

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