Cussonia paniculata, Bergkiepersol, Hoëveldkiepersol, Mountain Cabbage-tree.
The mountain cabbage tree, commonly known as “kiepersol,” gets its name from the Portuguese word “Quita-sol,” meaning parasol. This short, thick-set tree rarely grows beyond 5 meters and has a grey, corky bark with longitudinal fissures. Its thick, squat stem and swollen root base classify it as a pachycaul succulent. The tree’s large, waxy, cabbage-blue leaves help protect it from frost.
The wood is soft, historically used for wagon brake pads. The leaves provide good fodder for animals like goats and buck, and the seeds are eaten by birds and baboons. The tree’s roots can also be consumed for water in emergencies. It thrives in well-drained, sunny areas, but care should be taken to plant it away from buildings due to its aggressive root system. In traditional medicine, the leaves are used to treat mental and many other conditions, and research is ongoing into its potential for treating infections and malaria.