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THE Pondo Waterwood ( Syzygium pondoense) is a perfectly sphere-shaped shrub to add structure or formality to any garden setting. It is known as an absolute bird magnet.

It is indigenous and endemic to the Northern and Eastern Cape and the southern KwaZulu-Natal area, where it grows along the rocky beds of streams. It is evergreen and can reach a height and diameter of 3m.

The new shoots and leaves are reddish in colour but, as they mature, become shiny and dark green with a leathery feel. The Pondo Waterwood will burst into copious sweetly scented white flowers in early summer. These flowers are loved by butterflies, bees and insects, followed in hot pursuit by every garden bird imaginable.

In autumn the scented flowers give way to an abundance of plum-coloured fruit, which means birds will flock to feast on them. The Pondo Waterwood grows in the sun, but will tolerate some shade. Although this plant is very water-wise, regular watering and feeding will give better results. Plant this coast-friendly plant in well-drained soil.

Recommendation: An excellent indigenous clipping plant to shape into pretty topiaries or to use as hedging for all but the coldest regions in the land.