Common Name:

General Information

Nuxia oppositifolia is an evergreen shrub or a tree; it usually grows 1 - 15 metres tall, but can grow up to 20 metres. It has a slender, elegant shape, with thin, slightly weeping branches. The bole is often gnarled, it can be 10 - 60cm in diameter and is often rather fluted[, , ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. It is probably suitable for growing as a clipped hedge.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Eastern and southern Africa - Eritrea to Somalia, south to Tanzania; Angola, Zambia andMozambique south to S. Africa; Madagascar; Arabian Peninsula.

Habitat

Riverine forest[]. Along water courses, in riverine bush, in gorges or valleys and sometimes in relict subtropical forests in S. Africa. It also sometimes grows in between rocks in the actual riverbed[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropics and the subtropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 2,400 metres[]. The plant is reasonably tolerant of short-lived frosts[].
Succeeds in ordinary garden soils, but will grow better if it grows close to water[].
The leaves are often slightly sticky when young[].
The plant can grow quite quickly in reasonably fertile soils with sufficient moisture[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is likely to respond well to pruning and to be able to be used as part of a mixed screen or as a clipped hedge[].

Other Uses

The reddish-yellow wood is occasionally used for furniture and ornaments[].

Propagation

Seed - difficult to obtain, but it should be sown in seed trays on a fine seedling mix. Cover lightly and do not allow to dry out. Avoid overhead watering as the seed is fine and will wash away. Instead place the tray in a clean, shallow container of water and allow the water to soak in to the tray from below. Once the surface is wet remove the tray from the water. Transplant the seedlings to individual containers once they have formed their true leaves[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood[].

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