Cussonia spicata Bonsai Seeds (Medicinal) Ornamental

The cabbage-tree is a strikingly beautiful garden tree which is widely cultivated both locally and abroad for its striking evergreen foliage. Its unusual form makes it a feature in the garden as well as in its natural habitat. The genus Cussonia as a whole is less well known to horticulture, despite the fact that it hosts numerous very attractive species from dwarf to very large trees.

Description
The cabbage-tree is an attractive, quick growing, relatively long lived tree which can attain a height of 15m. Cussonias in general have the peculiar habit of producing their attractive leaves toward the ends of thick branches in large round heads. Trees typically have between 1 - 15 such heads, although older specimens may develop many more.

Distribution and Habitat
Cussonia spicata occurs naturally over a wide range in the wetter areas of southern Africa from the southern Cape and eastern parts of the country extending through Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and further north reaching into tropical Africa.

In addition to its popularity as a decorative garden tree and useful accent plant, the leaves of C. spicata are traditionally used as a treatment for indigestion. The wood is very soft and decays easily and is used to make mole traps. There are also reports that the soft wood of the Highveld cabbage-tree ( Cussonia paniculata ) was used to make brake blocks for ox-wagons.

The roots are succulent and edible, mashed roots have also been used in the treatment of Malaria.