Stroll through an urban jungle, desert, forest

[happypalms]

On 6/17/2023 at 5:19 PM, Tracy said:

A bigger perspective of the stroll.  Jugenfrau is hidden amongst the clouds in the background. 

What was that song The hills are alive 

[Than]

On 8/1/2023 at 7:19 AM, Rivera said:

I'll have to ask him about it the next time I see him! An aggressive root system would be most unwelcome in such a densely planted landscape as Darold's... probably not so good for mine either.

Chris any news from your Cussonia? I am also worried about the aggressive roots

[happypalms]

I spotted these two Howea bellmoreana. I had to doorknock for some seeds. Ended up with a hundred odd seeds as a gift. 😁

[Rivera]

5 hours ago, Than said:

Chris any news from your Cussonia? I am also worried about the aggressive roots

Than, I never planted it out. I recently moved it from a 1g to a 3g nursery container since it's been stunted from being rootbound in such a small pot. Very durable plant; just smaller than it would be otherwise.

It definitely wants to form a large root system before putting out a lot of leaves. While changing containers, I was able to see how the caudex bulges way out below the soil line. I've brushed away some soil in the photo below so you can see. Fine roots extend from it; given time and water, these will probably also become swollen. 

I don't really have a spot for it, as I planted a Dendromecon harfordii where I might've put it. My neighbor has a spot in the front of their house, but I'm reluctant to plant it there given even the slight chance it could cause issues with their underground utilities. I will probably plant the Aloidendron ramosissima x dichotoma (at least that's what it appears to be, pictured in the photo next to the Cussonia paniculata) in that spot instead, as it will cause them no issues. 

[Than]

2 hours ago, Rivera said:

Than, I never planted it out. I recently moved it from a 1g to a 3g nursery container since it's been stunted from being rootbound in such a small pot. Very durable plant; just smaller than it would be otherwise.

It definitely wants to form a large root system before putting out a lot of leaves. While changing containers, I was able to see how the caudex bulges way out below the soil line. I've brushed away some soil in the photo below so you can see. Fine roots extend from it; given time and water, these will probably also become swollen. 

I don't really have a spot for it, as I planted a Dendromecon harfordii where I might've put it. My neighbor has a spot in the front of their house, but I'm reluctant to plant it there given even the slight chance it could cause issues with their underground utilities. I will probably plant the Aloidendron ramosissima x dichotoma (at least that's what it appears to be, pictured in the photo next to the Cussonia paniculata) in that spot instead, as it will cause them no issues. 

Ι def noticed that with mine too! It has just started pushing a new leaf a week or so ago. All these months it was preoccupied with making roots only. I really want it in my garden as it is such a stunner but I am worried about the roots. I wonder if planting it inside a bottomless barrel-type container will help contain its roots and send them downwards... 

[Rivera]

3 hours ago, Than said:

Ι def noticed that with mine too! It has just started pushing a new leaf a week or so ago. All these months it was preoccupied with making roots only. I really want it in my garden as it is such a stunner but I am worried about the roots. I wonder if planting it inside a bottomless barrel-type container will help contain its roots and send them downwards... 

Could work.

Their root systems are definitely hard at work even when the rest of the plant appears dormant. 

They are reputed to be amenable to long term container culture. Sometimes they are kept as bonsai specimens.  They could probably form a nice looking plant adjacent to a drive or entryway given a very large container, but certainly less impressive than if it were planted out. 

I have a couple books on gardening with South African natives and they both caution that this plant's roots can become invasive. 

The plants at the San Francisco zoo are not especially large, but now I can imagine that their root systems are very substantial as a beneficial adaptation to cope with drought. If I remember right, nothing is growing beneath them. 

[Than]

18 hours ago, Rivera said:

Could work.

Their root systems are definitely hard at work even when the rest of the plant appears dormant. 

They are reputed to be amenable to long term container culture. Sometimes they are kept as bonsai specimens.  They could probably form a nice looking plant adjacent to a drive or entryway given a very large container, but certainly less impressive than if it were planted out. 

I have a couple books on gardening with South African natives and they both caution that this plant's roots can become invasive. 

The plants at the San Francisco zoo are not especially large, but now I can imagine that their root systems are very substantial as a beneficial adaptation to cope with drought. If I remember right, nothing is growing beneath them. 

Such a shame. It is such a stunner. I guess I'll keep it in a huge pot then. My property is on a slope and that could be an additional issue maybe.