Description
Chionanthus foveolatus (Pock-ironwood / Pokysterhout) is an elegant, indigenous South African evergreen tree known for its glossy dark foliage, fragrant white flowers, and neat, formal growth habit. Belonging to the olive family (Oleaceae), it is a refined choice for estate landscaping.
Quick Specs
Tree Type: Indigenous Evergreen
Mature Height: 3 to 5 m in cultivation (up to 15 m in deep forest settings)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Sun Exposure: Full sun to semi-shade
Water Needs: Low to moderate (drought-hardy once established)
Frost Tolerance: Moderate to good once mature
National Tree Number: 615
Key Features & Characteristics
Foliage: Deep green, highly polished leaves that stay lush year-round. The common name foveolatus comes from the microscopic pits (domatia) found in the axils of the leaf veins on the underside, which look like tiny pockmarks (hence Pokysterhout).
Flowering: From spring to early summer (October to December), the tree produces dense sprays of small, sweetly scented, creamy-white flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding insects.
Fruit: Fleshy, oval, olive-like fruits turn purple-black when ripe. These serve as an abundant food source for fruit-eating birds like loeries (turacos) and pigeons.
Bark & Wood: Light grey, relatively smooth bark that darkens with age. Historically, its timber was prized for being exceptionally hard, tough, and durable (giving rise to the “ironwood” name).
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