This mature specimen of the species looks wildly unlike its juvenile self, with a thick squiggly and woody stem that is completely leafless until its small crown of foliage at the top.
A member of the Araliaceae family,Cussoniais a genus distributed across Tropical and South Africa, alongside Comoros, and the Arabian Peninsula.Cussoniaspicatais often known as ‘spiked cabbage tree’, and it’s a favourite for wild elephants to snack on. The distinct, spiked leaves of these plants arch out from unusually long petioles, while the pale green trunk will develop a cork-like surface as the plant matures.
Watering
In S/S water when 30% of the top soil has dried out. In A/W allow top soil to dry out 50%. Mature plants are drought tolerant.
Light requirements
Full sun, or light shade. Protect from harsh afternoon rays.
Feed
Use a houseplant fertiliser once a month from April - September.
Repotting
when roots begin to protrude out of the drainage holes. Use a well draining houseplant potting mix, adding extra drainage such as perlite, pumice or grit.