Description
Cliffortia cristata (also called Crested Cliffortia, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree, up to 5 m tall, with a dense, rounded crown. It is native to South Africa and is found in rocky areas, scrub and woodland. It has simple, alternate leaves, which are usually oblong to elliptic and up to 8 cm long.
Uses & Benefits
Cliffortia cristata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens. It is also used to make herbal tea which is believed to have medicinal properties and is used to treat digestive problems, fever, and inflammation.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Cliffortia cristata is small and white, with five petals, and the seed is a small, dark-colored achene. The seedlings of Cliffortia cristata are small, with a single stem and three to five lobed leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Cliffortia cristata is a shrub or small tree that can reach up to 4 m in height. It is native to South Africa and is found in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces. It is an evergreen species and is drought-tolerant. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun. Propagation is usually done from seed, which should be sown in spring. Cuttings can also be taken in late spring or early summer.