Ho Hung Sun Family Tree

The Tree is usually up to 12m. The brownish bark is shallowly longitudinally. The ovate Leaves are simple, opposite with finely toothed margins. Bisexual, zygomorphic Flowers may appear on old wood. They have bilabiate petals. Fruit is a berry.

Halleria lucida.

Ferrier claims SNP forced her into scripted apology and 'hung her out to dry. Brit tourists batter each other with chairs at ‘family-friendly' Tui hotel. But at the last minute the sun broke from under the clouds and came down to touch the water. My dad, who helped me hang up the family tree charts in.

RSA Tree No. 670.

Common names: (A) Geelhoutkop, Kinderbessie, Notsung, Ouhout, Septee, Wilde Druiwe, Witolienhout, Witolyf, Witolyfhout, Witolyn, (E) Hilarious Lucy, Olive, Tree Fuchsia, White Olive, Wild Fuschia, (SS) Lebetsa, (V) Murevhe, (X) Umbinza, (Z) Indomela, Umbinza.

Family: Stilbaceae – (was Scrophulariaceae but moved after molecular studies). There are 12 Genera and 151 Species in this family. Local genera with trees include Anastrabe,Bowkeria, Halleria, and Nuxia. Members of this family have simple and entire Leaves that lack stipules. Non-stellate hairs are present. Flowers are bisexual and zygomorphic and the corolla is funnel-shaped. The Stamens are epipetalous and the superior Ovary has 2 locules each with 1 ovule.

Name derivation: Halleria named after a Swiss anatomist, physiologist, naturalist, encyclopedist, bibliographer and poet: Albrecht von Haller (1708-1777). lucida – shining – referring to the leaves. There are 3 species of the genus Halleria in southern Africa. The other two are H. elliptica and H. ovate.

Conservation: National Status: L C. (Least Concern). Assessment: 2005. (W. Foden and L. Potter).

Tree

Ho Hung Sun Family Tree Trimming

The Tree is up to 12m high but may reach 18m in a forest. It may also be a shrub. When growing in the open, the plant may be multi-stemmed (photo 63). Here the tree tends to have a spreading crown. It may also be rounded (photo 463). The Trunk is usually erect and up to 38cm in diameter. Bark is pale greyish brown, rather rough and flaky. It is and longitudinally, but not deeply, grooved (photo 59). At the base of these grooves, a lighter coloured underbark may be seen (photo 676). On this photo, the presence of lichen (specialised fungi cultivate algae partners that manufacture food for them by photosynthesis) can be seen. Young stems may be greenish and arching. Branches are opposite, stiff and dense.

Ho Hung Sun Family Tree Service

Leaves

On this usually evergreen tree, the slightly drooping Leaves are simple, in opposite pairs and thinly leathery. The hairless leaves are Ovate (shaped like an egg – usually broadest near the base) and up to 10 x 7cm (photo 558). Leaves on coppice shoots (In this case when stems are cut or burned it causes regrowth from the stump or roots) may be larger. They are shiny bright green to dark green above and lighter below (photo 558). The Veins are slightly sunken above and raised and more visible below. Veins are best viewed by holding the leaf against a strong light/sun (photo 1006). The Apex is tapering to attenuate (showing a long gradual taper – photo 558). The often-asymmetric Base is broadly tapering to square. On both sides, the Margins are finely toothed to scalloped (photo 1 006). The Petiole (stalk of leaf) is up to 1,2cm long. Stipules (basal appendages of the petiole) are absent.

Flowers

Ho Hung Sun Family Tree Care

The showy, brick red (photo 631), orange or cream coloured (photo 372) Flowers are about 4cm long, bisexual and zygomorphic (irregular flower: when corolla is divisible into 2 equal halves in one plane only). Flowers are borne in leaf axils (photo 55 – with Fruit) or are cauliflorous (the production of flowers and fruit from their main stems or woody trunks rather than from new growth and shoots – photo 663). Flowers on old wood occur either singly or in small groups (like Englerophytum magalismontanum – Stamvrug / Milkplum). Each flower is on a thin Pedicel (stalk of a single flower in a cluster – photo 505). Flowers are rich in nectar and tend to hang down (photo 631). The Calyx is bright green and the sepals may be almost plate-like – standing close to a right angle away from the corolla tube (photo 372). Here the Sepals are much shorter than the Corolla tube. This slightly hairy (photo 991) curved tube is up to 4cm long and ends in short lobes. The Petals are bilabiate (2-lipped). The Lower lip has 2 short lobes and the Upper lip has 3 lobes (photo 991). These lobes are much shorter than the corolla tube. The 4 Stamens arise from the extreme base of the corolla and the longest pair protrude beyond the corolla tube. They are didynamous (having 4 stamens disposed in 2 pairs of 2 different lengths – photo 991). Staminodes are absent. The Anthers have 2 diverging thecae (pollen sacs – photo 991). A cushion shaped Nectary is present. The single Pistil (a unit of the Gynoecium, the female element of the flower, composed of the Ovary, Style and Stigma) has 1 superior Ovary with 2 locules (compartments), each with many ovules. The persistent Style is long and thin and exserted (sticking out or projecting beyond) in this case beyond the petals (photo 385). (Apr-Nov).

Fruit

The broadly ovoid to almost spherical Fruit is a Berry (pulpy, indehiscent fruit like a grape or tomato) which is about 1cm in diameter (photo 385). It is initially fleshy green, becomes blackish, and has a persistent calyx below. A long, thin, persistent, wispy and reddish Style is initially clearly visible at the opposite end of the fruit (photo 385). (Jun-Feb). Seeds are small, flat and narrowly winged. They are initially in a jelly-like flesh.

Ho Hung Sun Family Tree Nursery

Distribution & Ecology

This accommodating Plant grows in temperate and tropical environments. It is one of the common mountain trees and is located in all provinces of the RSA – from Table Mountain. It is also occurs in Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Botswana, Madagascar, and from Zimbabwe to Kenya and Ethiopia but not in Namibia. These plants are common in the Afromontane region in the Drakensberg Mountains but also down to 300m in the Knysna Amatole mountain forest. These forests are generally cooler and more humid than the surrounding lowlands). Halleria lucida is a non-poisonous plant and widely distributed in different habitats. These range from cold high altitudes to warmer forests, to rocky outcrops, to forest fringes. The tree is frost and drought resistant. The nectar rich flowers and the fruit attract insects and birds including sunbirds, Cape Thrush, Natal Robin and the Fiscal Flycatcher. Good rains enhance flowering.

Ethnobotany

The small Wood is light, hard, relatively dense and has been used to make panga handles. It was once used to make wagon poles. Friction between 2 sticks can be used to start fire by friction. This tree attracts many birds. It should be planted with Tecomaria capensis and Leonotis for this purpose. Fruit is very sweet, edible, but not tasty. Eland and livestock browse the Leaves. In places, the Tree is considered to be a charm against evil. The tree is easily Grown from cuttings or seeds and it flowers as soon as 1 year after planting but should be protected from frost when young. Water regularly – especially in summer. It grows about 1m per year. Roots are non-invasive and the tree can be planted close to walls. It is a good container plant and has a low maintenance requirement.

References

Boon, R. 2010. Pooley's Trees of eastern South Africa. Flora and Fauna Publications Trust, Durban.

Burrows, J.E., Burrows, S.M., Lotter, M.C. & Schmidt, E. 2018. Trees and Shrubs Mozambique. Publishing Print Matters (Pty) Ltd. Noordhoek, Cape Town.

Coates Palgrave, M. 2002. Keith Coates Palgrave Trees of Southern Africa, edn 3. Struik, Cape Town.

Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2005. Halleria lucida L. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2020/12/29.

Ginn P.J. Mcilleron W.G. and Milstein P. le S, 1989. The Complete Book of Southern African Birds. Struik, Cape Town.

Name derivation: Halleria named after a Swiss anatomist, physiologist, naturalist, encyclopedist, bibliographer and poet: Albrecht von Haller (1708-1777). lucida – shining – referring to the leaves. There are 3 species of the genus Halleria in southern Africa. The other two are H. elliptica and H. ovate.

Conservation: National Status: L C. (Least Concern). Assessment: 2005. (W. Foden and L. Potter).

Tree

Ho Hung Sun Family Tree Trimming

The Tree is up to 12m high but may reach 18m in a forest. It may also be a shrub. When growing in the open, the plant may be multi-stemmed (photo 63). Here the tree tends to have a spreading crown. It may also be rounded (photo 463). The Trunk is usually erect and up to 38cm in diameter. Bark is pale greyish brown, rather rough and flaky. It is and longitudinally, but not deeply, grooved (photo 59). At the base of these grooves, a lighter coloured underbark may be seen (photo 676). On this photo, the presence of lichen (specialised fungi cultivate algae partners that manufacture food for them by photosynthesis) can be seen. Young stems may be greenish and arching. Branches are opposite, stiff and dense.

Ho Hung Sun Family Tree Service

Leaves

On this usually evergreen tree, the slightly drooping Leaves are simple, in opposite pairs and thinly leathery. The hairless leaves are Ovate (shaped like an egg – usually broadest near the base) and up to 10 x 7cm (photo 558). Leaves on coppice shoots (In this case when stems are cut or burned it causes regrowth from the stump or roots) may be larger. They are shiny bright green to dark green above and lighter below (photo 558). The Veins are slightly sunken above and raised and more visible below. Veins are best viewed by holding the leaf against a strong light/sun (photo 1006). The Apex is tapering to attenuate (showing a long gradual taper – photo 558). The often-asymmetric Base is broadly tapering to square. On both sides, the Margins are finely toothed to scalloped (photo 1 006). The Petiole (stalk of leaf) is up to 1,2cm long. Stipules (basal appendages of the petiole) are absent.

Flowers

Ho Hung Sun Family Tree Care

The showy, brick red (photo 631), orange or cream coloured (photo 372) Flowers are about 4cm long, bisexual and zygomorphic (irregular flower: when corolla is divisible into 2 equal halves in one plane only). Flowers are borne in leaf axils (photo 55 – with Fruit) or are cauliflorous (the production of flowers and fruit from their main stems or woody trunks rather than from new growth and shoots – photo 663). Flowers on old wood occur either singly or in small groups (like Englerophytum magalismontanum – Stamvrug / Milkplum). Each flower is on a thin Pedicel (stalk of a single flower in a cluster – photo 505). Flowers are rich in nectar and tend to hang down (photo 631). The Calyx is bright green and the sepals may be almost plate-like – standing close to a right angle away from the corolla tube (photo 372). Here the Sepals are much shorter than the Corolla tube. This slightly hairy (photo 991) curved tube is up to 4cm long and ends in short lobes. The Petals are bilabiate (2-lipped). The Lower lip has 2 short lobes and the Upper lip has 3 lobes (photo 991). These lobes are much shorter than the corolla tube. The 4 Stamens arise from the extreme base of the corolla and the longest pair protrude beyond the corolla tube. They are didynamous (having 4 stamens disposed in 2 pairs of 2 different lengths – photo 991). Staminodes are absent. The Anthers have 2 diverging thecae (pollen sacs – photo 991). A cushion shaped Nectary is present. The single Pistil (a unit of the Gynoecium, the female element of the flower, composed of the Ovary, Style and Stigma) has 1 superior Ovary with 2 locules (compartments), each with many ovules. The persistent Style is long and thin and exserted (sticking out or projecting beyond) in this case beyond the petals (photo 385). (Apr-Nov).

Fruit

The broadly ovoid to almost spherical Fruit is a Berry (pulpy, indehiscent fruit like a grape or tomato) which is about 1cm in diameter (photo 385). It is initially fleshy green, becomes blackish, and has a persistent calyx below. A long, thin, persistent, wispy and reddish Style is initially clearly visible at the opposite end of the fruit (photo 385). (Jun-Feb). Seeds are small, flat and narrowly winged. They are initially in a jelly-like flesh.

Ho Hung Sun Family Tree Nursery

Distribution & Ecology

This accommodating Plant grows in temperate and tropical environments. It is one of the common mountain trees and is located in all provinces of the RSA – from Table Mountain. It is also occurs in Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Botswana, Madagascar, and from Zimbabwe to Kenya and Ethiopia but not in Namibia. These plants are common in the Afromontane region in the Drakensberg Mountains but also down to 300m in the Knysna Amatole mountain forest. These forests are generally cooler and more humid than the surrounding lowlands). Halleria lucida is a non-poisonous plant and widely distributed in different habitats. These range from cold high altitudes to warmer forests, to rocky outcrops, to forest fringes. The tree is frost and drought resistant. The nectar rich flowers and the fruit attract insects and birds including sunbirds, Cape Thrush, Natal Robin and the Fiscal Flycatcher. Good rains enhance flowering.

Ethnobotany

The small Wood is light, hard, relatively dense and has been used to make panga handles. It was once used to make wagon poles. Friction between 2 sticks can be used to start fire by friction. This tree attracts many birds. It should be planted with Tecomaria capensis and Leonotis for this purpose. Fruit is very sweet, edible, but not tasty. Eland and livestock browse the Leaves. In places, the Tree is considered to be a charm against evil. The tree is easily Grown from cuttings or seeds and it flowers as soon as 1 year after planting but should be protected from frost when young. Water regularly – especially in summer. It grows about 1m per year. Roots are non-invasive and the tree can be planted close to walls. It is a good container plant and has a low maintenance requirement.

References

Boon, R. 2010. Pooley's Trees of eastern South Africa. Flora and Fauna Publications Trust, Durban.

Burrows, J.E., Burrows, S.M., Lotter, M.C. & Schmidt, E. 2018. Trees and Shrubs Mozambique. Publishing Print Matters (Pty) Ltd. Noordhoek, Cape Town.

Coates Palgrave, M. 2002. Keith Coates Palgrave Trees of Southern Africa, edn 3. Struik, Cape Town.

Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2005. Halleria lucida L. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2020/12/29.

Ginn P.J. Mcilleron W.G. and Milstein P. le S, 1989. The Complete Book of Southern African Birds. Struik, Cape Town.

Palmer, E. & Pitman, N. 1972. Trees of southern Africa, Balkema, Amsterdam, Cape Town.

Schmidt, S. Lotter, M. & McCleland, W. 2002. Trees and Shrubs of Mpumalanga and the Kruger National Park.

van Wyk, B. & van Wyk, P. 1997 Field guide to Trees of Southern Africa, Struik, Cape Town.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albrecht_von_Haller

http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Stilbaceae/