witolien
iGqeba-elimhlope
unGqeba
Buddleja saligna is a hardy, evergreen, fast-growing tree or large shrub with a much-branched crown and drooping branches. It usually reaches 4 – 5 meters, but can grow up to 10 meters in warm, moist areas. The leaves are long, narrow, and dark green above with a whitish, textured underside. The bark is pale grey-brown, fluted, and peels in strips. Masses of tiny, creamy-white, honey-scented flowers appear in dense sprays from spring to summer, attracting a wide variety of insects. The plant is drought-resistant and suitable for a range of soils.
The profuse, honey-scented flowers produce abundant nectar and pollen, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The tree provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. Its dense foliage offers protection for wildlife, and the plant is an important pioneer species in disturbed habitats, aiding ecological succession.
Tiny, creamy-white flowers in dense sprays from spring to summer; pollinated by insects. Seeds are minute and develop in small, hairy capsules.
Attracts insectivorous birds such as robins and apalises due to high insect activity around flowers; provides nesting sites.
Sow fine seed mixed with sand in trays of well-drained seedling mix; germinates in about four weeks.
Easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings.
Leaves used to treat coughs and colds; roots used as a purgative. Wood used for furniture, fence posts, and fuel.
Not a primary fodder species but can be browsed by livestock in times of scarcity.
Not known to be toxic.
Valuable for rapid screening, erosion control, and as a pioneer species in restoration projects; supports pollinators and increases habitat diversity.