Cussonia paniculata

The Magaliesberg is but a small part of the habitat of Cussonia paniculata, the mountain cabbage-tree, or sometimes also the Highveld cabbage tree and kiepersol in Afrikaans. Especially the southern slopes are home to some spectacular specimens, making this a notable place to experience them. And feel a sense of outrage when passing kudus in the areas where game still roam, dare break the occasional branch.

It is an imposing tree. Not so much its size, but the graceful outline and contrasting colours of the light green leaves against the dark furrowed stems, elegantly curved. The strong scent of the flowers attracts a multitude of insects. Porcupines are fond of nibbling the bark off the base of young kiepersol trees (Carruthers, 1990).