Natal Flame Bush (Alberta magna) Seeds

Alberta magna Seeds

Family: Rubiaceae(Gardenia Family)
Common names: Natal flame bush (Eng), Breekhout (Afr) uMabophe, isiQalaba (Xhosa), iGibampondo, umCumane (Zulu)

This is a very impressive indigenous shrub or tree, especially when in flower or fruit. Alberta magna is not only treasured by tree collectors and gardeners for its beauty, but also because it is a protected tree in the family Rubiaceae.

At maturity Alberta magna has grey, rough bark on the stems, the branches are green or brown. The crown of shiny, evergreen foliage makes a foil for the large sprays of brilliant red, tubular flowers which form at the end of the branches in late summer/autumn (February-June). Individual flowers are bright red. These remain colourful for a long time.

The bark of this tree is used in traditional medicine, but the wood of Alberta magna is almost useless. It breaks readily, hence the common name "breekhout".

Many species in the family Rubiaceae are cultivated for their showy and sometimes sweetly scented flowers, particularly those in the genera Gardenia, Pavetta and Rothmannia. Other plants of economic value in this family include Cinchona, the tree from which quinine (used to treat malaria) is derived.