Budleja saligna - S.A. No. 636
False Olive

Growth Details:

This is a single- or multi-stemmed tree with a straight stem that branches low down and grows upwards. to form. a densely branched, irregular, moderately dense canopy. The leaves are grouped towards the outside of the canopy. The centre of the tree is a tangle of bare branches and branchlets. The young twigs are often square.

Leaves:
Simple, opposite, elliptic leaves are attached to the twigs by very short leaf stems. The margins are smooth and the tips tapering. The upper-surface of the leathery leaf is grey-green and smooth. The under-surface is whitish with a prominent central vein. Both central and side veins stand out on the surface.

Flowers:
Conspicuous, sweet scented, white flowers grow in profusion in sprays at the end of branches, and at the origin of the leaves. The stamens protrude giving the flower sprays a "hairy" look. The flowers appear in summer (August - January).

Fruit:

The tiny seeds develop in small, hairy capsules that protrude from the outside petals of the dried out flowers (October - March).

Links with animals:
Insectivorous birds such as the Cape Robin, Kurrichane Thrush, white-eyes, barbets and bulbuls find the feast of insects, which are attracted to the flowers, irresistible, and the tree teems with both insect and bird life.
This tree is used for nectar in bee farming.
The flowers also attract moths.

Human uses:
The hard, strong wood is used for fence posts. (It used to be used for assegaai shafts).
The leaves have been used to treat coughs and colds.

Seasonal changes:
Evergreen. This tree is easiest to identify while flowering, but the leaves are characteristic and will help with identification throughout the year.

AS A BONSAI.
Features:

• Leaves will diminish their size readily with regular pinching.
• Extremely drought and frost hardy.
• The root system is not aggressive and root pruning need only be carried out every 5 years on older bonsai.
• The bark is creamy to dark brown when old. It is deeply fissured and grooved lengthways and may peel in long strips. These features make the trunk particularly attractive as a bonsai.
• It grows best in full sun but will tolerate some shade.
• Grows fast and easily from cuttings and seed.
• The wood is hard and strong and responds well to jins and sharis.

Pruning:
Hard pruning of the tertiary branches is necessary to maintain the shape of the foliage pads which, otherwise, become lanky and unruly.
Pruning of major branches should be done in stages, since the life veins of the tree run vertically from root to branch and can be interrupted if a branch on the same life vein is removed.

Growing Medium:
A well draining growing medium is very important. Add extra river sand or gravel to your normal mix.

Styles:
Responds so well to pruning and shaping that it can be grown in most styles very successfully.
Saligna refers to the resemblance of the leaves to those of the weeping willow - so why not try a weeping style!