Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Aspalathus

Species:

Aspalathus retroflexa subsp. retroflexa

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Shrub

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:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

As a fynbos legume, this species is fire-adapted and typically resprouts from root crown after fire, common in fire-prone Mediterranean-climate ecosystems.

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

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds have hard coats typical of legumes and benefit from scarification or hot water treatment. Smoke treatment may enhance germination as with many fynbos species.

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