Cliffortia obcordata
ROSACEAE

A constituent of Cape Flats Sand Fynbos, Cape Flats Dune Strandveld and South Peninsula Granite Fynbos, this unconventional scrambling shrub grows to about 1.3m. The specific epithet ‘obcordata’ derives from the latin ‘ob’ meaning ‘reversed’ and ‘cordata’ meaning ‘heart-shaped’, referring to the upside-down heart leaves. Despite being a close relative of the rose, it has flowers that are so tiny they may only be visible to the trained eye. Their inconspicuous nature, lack of nectar and scent, and high pollen loads are all adaptations to wind pollination. Separate male and female flowers rely on air currents to blow the light pollen from the long, dangly male flowers to the feathery female.
Flowering time: March-November
In your garden: A hardy, drought-resistant species, tolerant of sea spray, hence ideally suited to windy coastal conditions. Use as a contrast filler or even shape it into a low hedge.
Distribution: Flats and lower slopes from the Cape Peninsula to Stilbaai
Image: © James Puttick

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