makkatdoring, katstertjie
ibutha, ihabiya, iphinganhloya, unwele
Hardy, perennial, erect shrub (to 1.5 m), with slender, wiry, arching stems and fine, needle-like branchlets (‘leaves’). Small, white, star-shaped flowers in clusters, followed by shiny red berries. Often forms dense thickets. Valued in gardens for its fine texture, drought tolerance, and as a screening or filler plant.
Insects:Flowers attract bees and other pollinators.Wildlife:Berries eaten by birds and small mammals. Dense growth provides shelter for insects and small animals.Soil:Not a nitrogen fixer.Ecosystem Services:Soil stabilization, habitat for birds and insects.
Small, white, star-shaped, scented flowers attract insects. Shiny red berries eaten by birds and mammals; seeds dispersed by animals.
Berries are a food source; dense structure offers nesting and shelter.
Collect ripe red berries, clean seeds, sow in spring in sandy soil; germination in 3 – 6 weeks.
Not available
Young shoots eaten as a vegetable; roots used in traditional medicine for urinary complaints.
