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Terminalia sericea

by Johan Wentzel

Terminalia sericea
Common Name
Silver cluster-leaf
Plant Type
Tree
Terminalia sericea is a small deciduous tree with reddish-brown branches. The leaves are blue-green above, paler below and densely covered in silvery hairs.The silvery leaves make this small tree exceptionally beautiful.
Plant Description

Terminalia sericea is an umbrella shaped deciduous tree belonging to the Combretacea family. This tree occurs naturally in a wide range of landscapes which include open woodlands and is common in tropical and subtropical areas. Terminalia sericea is small to medium sized and can reach a mature height of 5 to 8m.

The grey-green leaves are clustered at the tip of branches and are covered in shiny, silvery hairs, making the whole tree look silvery from a distance. The bark is grey and deeply fissured. Terminalia sericea flowers from September to January producing pale yellow to creamy white spiky flowers that are unpleasantly scented. The fruits are oval, single winged and soft pink to rose red when mature, darkening to brown or red brown with age.Terminalia sericea is drought resistant, frost tolerant to a certain extent and favours well drained sandy soils.

Although the silver cluster leaf is regarded a slow grower, it can grow much faster when regularly watered. When planted for shade in the garden, it must be at least 3m away from buildings or paved areas. The tree shape and leaf colour make this tree very attractive. Plant in deep sandy soil and do not overwater.

Terminalia sericea is a small deciduous tree with reddish-brown branches. The leaves are crowded at the ends of branches, blue-green above, paler below and densely covered in silvery hairs. It flowers mostly in September–January. The flowers are in axillary spikes and are pale yellow to creamy white. The silvery leaves make this small tree exceptionally beautiful.

Plant Terminalia sericea in a sandy soil and protect from frost when young. Don't overwater.

Afrikaanse Naam
Vaalboom
Hardiness
Very hardy
Position
Sun
Water Requirements
Water wise
Evergreen
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Moderate
Flowering Time
Spring
Flower Colour
Cream
Shape
Umbrella
Soil
Clay
Plant Size
5m
Region
North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga
Habitat
Deep sandy soils
Grown by Wildflower Nursery
Yes

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