Plant Overview

Botanical name: Cussonia spicata ‘Cussonic’
Common name: African cabbage tree; cabbage tree
Plant type: Woody shrub or tree
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms (flowering plants)
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Cussonia
Species: Cussonia spicata
Cultivar: ‘Cussonic’
Native range: The species is native to tropical and southern Africa. The origin of the cultivar ‘Cussonic’ is unknown.
Habitat: The species occurs in woodland, forest margins and grassland. The specific habitat preferences of ‘Cussonic’ are unknown.
Height: Mature height 1.5 to 3 metres when grown in containers or under glass, though it can grow up to 8 metres
Spread: Not available.
Growth rate: Not available for the cultivar.
Flower colour: Greenish to yellow-green flowers are characteristic of the species; cultivar-specific details are not available.
Flowering months: April to June.
RHS hardiness: H2
USDA hardiness zones: USDA Zone 9b to 11
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic soil pH, ideally ranging between 6.0 and 7.0
Difficulty: Not formally assessed; frost protection and careful watering are advisable in the UK.
Main use: Ornamental foliage plant and architectural specimen.

Botanical Description

Cussonia spicata ‘Cussonic’ is a named plant selection associated with Cussonia spicata, a member of the Araliaceae family. This family also includes ivy, Fatsia and Schefflera.

The species is native to tropical and southern Africa, where it grows in a range of habitats, including woodland, forest margins and grassland. It is recognised for its distinctive trunk and large, palmately divided leaves.

The foliage is arranged in prominent clusters at the ends of the branches, creating an umbrella-like appearance. As the plant develops, its woody trunk and architectural form can become increasingly noticeable.

Reliable cultivar-specific botanical descriptions of ‘Cussonic’, including differences from the standard species, are not available. Its mature size, precise growth habit and flowering characteristics should therefore not be assumed to be identical to those of the species.

Growing Conditions

Position: A bright position with plenty of natural light is recommended as a starting point. The optimum light requirements of ‘Cussonic’ have not been independently confirmed.

Soil type: Use a fertile, free-draining growing medium. A mixture of multipurpose compost and horticultural grit or perlite is a practical starting point for container cultivation.

Soil pH: neutral to slightly acidic soil pH, ideally ranging between 6.0 and 7.0

RHS hardiness: H2

USDA hardiness zones: USDA Zone 9b to 11

Watering: Water when the upper few centimetres of compost have dried. Allow excess water to drain freely. This is general cultivation advice rather than a verified cultivar-specific watering requirement.

Feeding: A balanced liquid fertiliser can be used during active growth, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Winter protection: Protect container-grown plants from frost. A bright, frost-free greenhouse or indoor growing space is a practical option in the UK.

How to Grow Cussonia spicata ‘Cussonic’

Choosing a Growing Location

Choose a bright, sheltered position where the plant can receive plenty of natural light.

In the UK, container cultivation is a practical option because it allows the plant to be moved into protected conditions during cold weather. A bright conservatory or frost-free greenhouse may be suitable, provided there is adequate space.

Soil Preparation

Use a growing medium that retains some moisture while allowing excess water to drain away.

For container cultivation:

• Choose a pot with drainage holes.
• Use a good-quality, free-draining compost.
• Add horticultural grit or perlite if necessary to improve drainage.
• Select a stable container appropriate to the plant’s size.
• Repot when the roots have outgrown the available space.

The ideal compost formulation for ‘Cussonic’ has not been established. These recommendations are general starting points rather than confirmed cultivar-specific requirements.

Avoid leaving the pot standing in water, especially during cool weather.

Watering and Feeding

Water thoroughly when the upper few centimetres of compost have dried. Allow excess water to escape through the drainage holes.

Adjust watering according to temperature, light levels, pot size and the plant’s growth. Container-grown plants may dry out more quickly in warm weather.

Reduce watering during cooler periods if growth slows, while avoiding prolonged dryness.

The cultivar’s precise nutritional requirements are unknown. If growth is active, a balanced liquid fertiliser can be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid excessive feeding or fertilising when the plant is not actively growing.

Growth and Maintenance

Cussonia spicata is known for its distinctive clusters of divided leaves and woody growth habit.

Remove dead or damaged leaves when necessary. Avoid unnecessary heavy pruning until the plant’s growth habit is better understood.

Rotate the container occasionally if the plant leans towards a light source. This may help encourage more balanced growth.

Check the roots periodically and repot when necessary. Handle the root system carefully to minimise disturbance.

Flowering

The species Cussonia spicata produces dense spikes of small greenish to yellow-green flowers.

Flowering months: April to June.

Propagation

Growing from Seed

Seed propagation is used for the species Cussonia spicata, but it is not confirmed that seed-grown plants will retain the characteristics of the named cultivar ‘Cussonic’.

If seed is available, obtain sowing instructions from a supplier with reliable species-specific knowledge.

Common Growing Problems

Cold damage: The cultivar’s frost tolerance is unknown. Protect the plant from freezing conditions until its hardiness has been established.

Waterlogged roots: Persistently wet compost can damage roots in container-grown plants. Use a free-draining medium and ensure the pot has drainage holes.

Poor growth: Check light levels, watering, drainage and temperature before changing the feeding regime.

Leaf damage: The cultivar’s specific susceptibility to pests and diseases is unknown. Inspect the foliage regularly and investigate any unusual markings, distortion or discolouration.

Root restriction: The mature root system and preferred container size are unknown. Check for roots emerging from drainage holes and repot when the plant becomes root-bound.

Uneven growth: Plants grown in one-sided light may lean towards the light source. Rotating the pot periodically may help produce more balanced growth.

Winter decline: The cultivar’s precise winter requirements are unknown. Maintain frost protection, avoid cold saturated compost and provide suitable light.

UK Growing Calendar

This is a provisional container-growing schedule based on general cultivation practices.

• Spring: Assess the plant’s condition and resume regular watering as active growth begins. Repot if necessary.
• Late spring: Move the plant outdoors only when frost risk has passed, introducing outdoor conditions gradually.
• Summer: Provide suitable light, monitor compost moisture and feed only if the plant is actively growing.
• Late summer–autumn: Monitor growth and prepare to move the plant into a protected location before cold weather.
• Autumn: Reduce watering if growth slows and protect the plant from falling temperatures.
• Winter: Keep the plant in a bright, frost-protected location. Avoid prolonged saturation and monitor for signs of stress.

Summary

Cussonia spicata ‘Cussonic’ is a named selection associated with the African cabbage tree, a species recognised for its distinctive woody form and large, divided leaves.

For UK cultivation, growing the plant in a container, providing bright light, using a free-draining growing medium and protecting it from frost are cautious starting points. These recommendations should not be interpreted as confirmed requirements for the named cultivar.

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