Tetragonia fruticosa
Image: gawie
Description
A scrambling shrub used for dune stabilisation and eaten by game, livestock and bees (pollen and nectar).Seeds become light and papery and are dispersed by wind.
Granite and sandstone from sea level to 1100m.
A south African endemic
Propagation instructions - cuttings
In winter in shady spots you can take 15cm cuttings just below the node, remove most leaves except the top few, and plant out directly into moist soil. Cover with leaves or grass mulch.
In summer: 1) Cut 10 to 15cm sections below the node (part of the stem where the leaves grow from), 2) remove seeds, flower and most leaves except the top two sprouts 3) it is optional to use commercial rooting hormone or cinnamon and honey for the root tip to improve rooting 4) place in a 2cm hole and pat in 5) spray twice daily in the morning and evening, focussing on the leaves at first and then on keeping the soil moist after a few weeks when the plants starts growing showing that it has taken root.
Sources and references
Scientific name
Tetragonia fruticosa
Common name(s)
Churl bush