Croton gratissimus | Lavender fever berry for sale | Laventelkoorsbesie

Lavender fever berry  (Laventelkoorsbessie) is a small, deciduous tree with a shrub-like growth form and non-aggressive roots. It grows at a medium rate. Croton gratissimus' leaves are discolorous - olive-green above and silver below. It bears male and female flowers on the same tree, and the latter develop into three-lobed capsules about 10mm in size. Of particular interest is that its flower buds form in late autumn, then stay closed throughout winter, and open after the first rain in spring. Lavender fever berry is fairly drought tolerant and mildly frost sensitive. 

A few gardening ideas:

Lavender fever berry is an undiscovered jewel. Its discolorous leaves is particularly striking and will make an excellent focal point in the garden.   Croton grasissimus is an easy grower, quite resistant against garden pests and a low maintenance tree.   This species is highly recommended for planting in a small small garden. It also grows well in a container. 

Value to honeybees: Nectar, N0-2;  Pollen, P0-4;  Flowering months 1-12, (9-4).   (See  blog-post "The bee-value of South Africa's trees" for an explanation of codes)