Makkatdoring, Katstertjie
iButha, iHabiya, iPhinganhloya, unwele
A hardy, perennial, erect shrub (to 1.5 m), with slender, wiry, arching stems and fine, needle-like branchlets (‘leaves’). Often forms dense thickets.
Small, white, star-shaped flowers in clusters, followed by shiny red berries.
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 are eaten by birds and small mammals. Dense growth provides shelter for insects and small animals.
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.
Food: Young shoots are eaten as a vegetable.
Medicinal Uses: Roots are used for urinary complaints.
