Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Aspalathus

Species:

Aspalathus retroflexa subsp. bicolor

Growth Characteristics

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Shrub

Height:

100 cm

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

sep,oct,nov

Bloom Colors:

yellow, orange

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:

Smoke-stimulated germination is characteristic of fynbos legumes. Plants resprout vigorously after fire and seed germination is enhanced by fire-related cues including heat and smoke compounds.

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

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Smoke treatment or smoke-derived compounds significantly improve germination rates. Seeds may require hot water treatment or scarification to break physical dormancy.

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