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The Bark on young branches is green and hairy but dark grey-brown and longitudinally fissured on older branches and stems - an appealing feature for bonsai.
The Leaves are twice compound.
The Flowers appear from October to February and consist of two coloured spikes, with the upper part pink and the lower part yellow.
The Fruit remains on the tree from May to September and consists of a cluster of non-splitting, contorted pods.
The Habitat includes woodland, forest margins, scrub and grassland. It grows on all types of soil.
The sickle bush as a bonsai:-
Although the sickle bush grows naturally as a multi-stemmed plant, the removal of the lower branches will force the tree to form a single stem with a spreading crown. Once this shape is attained, it can then be designed as a bonsai in a variety of styles.
Cultivation - easily grown from seed or root cuttings.
Seed can be soaked in hot water, left overnight and planted directly into seed trays or black nursery bags next morning.
Make root cuttings 1O0mm long, plant in pure river sand and keep moist.
Although old wood becomes extremely hard, making it an excellent wood for axe handles, the young branches are pliable and easily wired into shape. The sickle bush branches profusely and one is spoiled for choice in the selection of well placed branches.
The longitudinally fissured bark is most attractive on the mature tree and gives an aged look to the bonsai.
The root system is -not aggressive and responds well to root pruning and potting, making it an excellent container plant.
Growing mix - it grows well in all types of soil and the club mix is entirely suitable.
Watering and fertilizing - follow your normal procedures.
Position - the sickle bush can take the full sun, since it is very drought resistant, but should be protected against heavy frost.
Interesting Features include:-
Cattle and game relish the palatable pods that drop to the ground. Even the young twigs and leaves are eaten by these animals - to the extent that many "natural bonsai" are created as a result of constant browsing by animals.
The hard, strong wood of the sickle bush is used for fence posts, which are termite -resistant and can last up to 50 years.
The wood makes an excellent fuel, producing very hot coals and good quality charcoal.
Powdered bark is used as a local application for certain skin conditions.
Chewed roots are placed on scorpion stings and snake bites.
Reference "Making the most of Indigenous Trees" by Fanie & Julye-Ann Venter.
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