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Pterocelastrus echinatus

by Johan Wentzel

Pterocelastrus echinatus
Common Name
White candlewood
Plant Type
Shrub
Pterocelastrus echinatus is a hardy, evergreen, densely branched shrub or small to medium tree. During autumn and winter compact inflorescence is borne in clusters of tiny white, cream or greenish flowers.
Plant Description

Pterocelastrus echinatus is a hardy, evergreen, densely branched shrub or small to medium tree (2-5m) with angular branchlets often purplish-red. The leaves are alternate, lance shaped, thick, leathery with a dull, pale under surface, the leaf stalk and midrib is often reddish in colour. During autumn and winter compact inflorescence is borne in clusters of tiny white, cream or greenish flowers. It is often found on rocky slopes or in scrub forests and in shallow kloofs.

The fruits are three-lobed capsules with a distinct ridge and spiky horn on each lobe.  The surface of the fruit is covered in a waxy bloom. These fruits become orange, red and sometimes brown when ripening.

It is a very neat, small,interesting tree that can be more used in cultivation.

Afrikaanse Naam
Witkershout
Hardiness
Hardy
Position
Semi shade
Water Requirements
Moderate
Evergreen
Evergreen
Growth Rate
Moderate
Flowering Time
Early winter
Flower Colour
White
Shape
Round
Soil
Sand
Plant Size
3m
Region
Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West
Habitat
Rocky slopes, scrub forests, shallow kloof.
Grown by Wildflower Nursery
No

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