ACOKANTHERA OBLONGIFOLIA

Botanical Name: Acokanthera oblongifolia
Common Names: Bushman’s Poison, Acokanthera
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; adaptable to loamy or sandy conditions
Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Glossy, leathery, dark green oblong leaves with dense evergreen coverage
Flowers: Clusters of small, fragrant, tubular white to pink flowers; typically bloom in warmer months
Growth Rate: Moderate

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Acokanthera oblongifolia is appreciated for its lush foliage and fragrant flowers, adding dense greenery and subtle floral beauty to gardens, hedges, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Screening and Privacy:
With its dense growth habit, it serves well as a natural screen or living fence in residential and urban gardens.

Wildlife Gardens:
Its nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, while its dense foliage provides shelter for small birds.

Benefits:

• Drought Resilience: Once established, it can endure dry spells with minimal water input.

• Low Maintenance: Hardy and pest-resistant, it requires only seasonal pruning to maintain shape.

• Evergreen Appeal: Offers year-round interest with rich, glossy foliage even in dry seasons.

• Fragrant Blooms: Adds seasonal scent and beauty when in flower.

• Adaptable Growth: Thrives in both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for different garden conditions.

Acokanthera oblongifolia is a tough yet graceful evergreen shrub ideal for water-wise gardens, screens, or ornamental accents. Its reliable foliage, adaptability, and fragrant blooms make it a valuable plant for sustainable, low-maintenance landscapes.