Mackaya bella

Mackaya bella
Mackaya bella

Common names: mackaya, forest bell-bush, river bells, beautiful mackaya (English); umavuthwa, uzwathi, uphulule, icaphozi (Zulu); bosklokkiesbos, blouklokkiesbos (Afrikaans). 
Botanical name: Mackaya bella

The forest bell-bush, Mackaya bella, is a graceful evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green leaves and showy, white to mauve, bell-shaped flowers in spring and summer. It is endemic to southern Africa, where it grows in evergreen forests and along streams. It attracts bees and butterflies, and its wood was used to kindle fire by friction. It is a popular garden ornamental that thrives in shade but flowers best with more sun. It is easy to grow from cuttings or seeds, and needs well-drained soil, compost, water and pruning. It is frost tender and wind sensitive.

Uses & Benefits: hedge, pot plant, small garden, wildlife

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Nature & Cultivation

Family: Acanthaceae
Type: shrub, tree
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Flower colour: white
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Plant-animal interactions: bees, butterflies
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Light-level: afternoon sun, full shade, morning sun, semi-shade
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Use as Medicine

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