Rothmannia globosa
| Rothmannia globosa | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Rothmannia globosa |
| Genus | Rothmannia |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Native range | Eastern Cape to Limpopo and Eswatini |
| Habit | Usually a 4–7 m tree; sometimes reaching 12 m; evergreen or briefly deciduous |
| Flowers | Fragrant creamy-white bell-shaped flowers in spring and early summer |
| Fruit | Round fruits about 25 mm across, turning brown as they ripen |
| Growing conditions | Well-drained, compost-enriched soil; some frost tolerance |
Rothmannia globosa is a southern African tree in the coffee family, Rubiaceae. The accepted species identity is Rothmannia globosa in the GBIF backbone.[1] It grows in coastal and dune bush, along riverbanks and in evergreen forest from the Eastern Cape to Limpopo and Eswatini.[2]
Description[edit | edit source]
The species is usually a 4–7 m tree and may reach about 12 m. Its foliage is evergreen or briefly deciduous, with shiny simple leaves. Fragrant creamy-white bell-shaped flowers are about 25 mm long and 35 mm wide.[2]
The native range includes coastal and dune bush, riverbanks and evergreen forest. This spread of habitats indicates that size and seasonal behavior can vary with exposure, moisture and local climate rather than following a single garden form.[2]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
Use a well-drained, compost-enriched soil. Drainage is important because the documented cultivation guidance specifies a free-draining medium, while the natural range includes both riverbanks and forested sites with differing moisture conditions.[2]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
The species occurs in coastal and dune bush as well as riverbank and evergreen-forest vegetation, so it is associated with more than one exposure and atmospheric setting. A bright, sheltered position is a reasonable starting point; the habitat descriptions do not establish a fixed shade or humidity threshold for cultivation.[2]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
Flowering is recorded in spring and early summer, with flowers appearing from August to November in the southern African range. Round fruits turn brown as they ripen from January onward. The tree is evergreen or only briefly deciduous, and the cultivation account describes some frost tolerance without giving a temperature limit.[2]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Seed is the documented propagation method, and the species is described as easily cultivated from seed.[2]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
The fragrant creamy-white flowers are bell-shaped and about 25 mm long by 35 mm wide. In southern Africa they appear from August to November, spanning spring and early summer. The fruits are round and about 25 mm across; they turn brown as they ripen from January onward.[2]
The change to brown fruit is the documented ripening cue.[2]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The fruits are recorded as edible, and the species account also mentions their use for necklaces.[2] This is a limited fruit-use observation rather than preparation or human food-safety guidance.