Pavetta gardeniifolia A.Rich.

Christmas bride's bush, Christmas bush

Afr

kersbruidsbos

isiZulu

IsiXhosa

Description

Family:

Rubiaceae

Order:

Gentianales

Description

Hardy, deciduous or sometimes evergreen large shrub or small tree, 2 – 4 m tall. Glossy dark green leaves. Masses of creamy-white, sweetly scented, nectar-rich flowers hang in clusters from branches, typically blooming November to January (Christmas time). Fruits are black drupes that attract fruit-eating birds. Valued for bird-friendly gardens, butterfly host plant, and screens.

Plant Details

Height

2 - 4 m

Thorns

Absent

Soil

Prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soils rich in organic matter

Slow

Growth Rate

2 - 4 m

Size

Several decades

Lifespan

Flower Colour

, , ,

Horticultural Zones

Neutral to slightly acidic

pH

Prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soils rich in organic matter

Soil

Full sun to semi-shade

Aspect

Frost hardy

Frost Tolerance

Moderate

Drought Resistance

Link to PlantzAfrica.co.za

Distribution

, , ,

Companion Plants

Often found with other woodland and savanna species such as Acacia, Combretum, Terminalia.

Caterpillars

Supports various butterfly larvae; some caterpillars with stinging hairs may feed on leaves but are not serious pests.

Associations

Descriptions

Flowers attract a wide range of insects including bees and butterflies; fruits eaten by birds, especially sunbirds; supports insect and bird biodiversity.

Flowers and fruits

Large clusters of creamy-white flowers, nectar-rich and fragrant; black fruits attract frugivorous birds.

Birds

Nectar source for sunbirds and other nectarivorous birds; fruits eaten by frugivorous birds; provides shelter.

By Seeds:

Seeds collected from ripe fruits; sow fresh in well-drained soil; germination moderate to good.

By Cuttings:

Semi-hardwood cuttings root moderately well under mist.

Traditional Uses

No significant documented traditional uses; valued in gardens for wildlife attraction and ornamental use.

Plant Details

Height

Description

Thorns

Description

Leaves

Description

Size

Growth Form

Size

Size

Size

Lifespan

Size

Flower Colour

Size

Flowering Season

Size

Horticultural Zones

Size

pH

Size

Soil

Size

Aspect

Size

Frost Tolerance

Size

Drought Resistance

Description

DESCRIPTION

Height

DESCRIPTION

Leaves

DESCRIPTION

Thorns

DESCRIPTION

BSS

Ecoscore

Host plant Nectar Grazing

Link to PlantzAfrica.co.za

View

Distribution

Companion Plants

Description

Caterpillars

Associations

Leaves

Leaves

Flowers and fruits

Leaves

Birds

Leaves

Mammals

Leaves

By Seeds:

Leaves

By Cuttings:

Leaves

Traditional Uses

traditional uses