Family: Araliaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Cussonia paniculata, commonly known as mountain cabbage tree, is native to southern Africa, including South Africa, Eswatini, and parts of Mozambique. In its natural habitat it grows in rocky grasslands and on exposed hillsides. This small to medium-sized tree has a distinctive, sculptural form with a thick, often swollen trunk and a rounded crown of large, blue-green, palmately divided leaves that give it a bold, tropical appearance. Tall spikes of small greenish flowers appear above the foliage and are followed by purple berries that attract birds. Mountain cabbage tree is valued as an ornamental for its architectural shape and drought tolerance, making it popular in xeriscapes, rock gardens, and as a focal specimen in warm, dry landscapes.

Risks, Threats & Management
Mountain cabbage tree is not widely reported as invasive, and it is generally considered a low-risk ornamental in many regions. However, like many species that produce bird-dispersed fruit, it has the potential to spread beyond cultivated areas in climates similar to its native range. Gardeners can help minimize any potential risk by monitoring for volunteer seedlings and removing unwanted young plants before they establish. Planting in well-managed landscapes and disposing of green waste responsibly will further reduce the chance of unintended spread.

High Risk Traits:

• Intentionally introduced to Europe, UK, US, NZ
  
• Bird-dispersed seeds
  
• Seeds survive gut passage
  
• Shade tolerant (seedling stage)
  
• Cultivated intentionally (ornamental, bonsai)
  
• Produces viable seed

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization anywhere
  
• No weed history (not agricultural, environmental, or congeneric weed)
  
• Very slow maturity (fruiting at ~8 years)
  
• No persistent seed bank (viability <3 months)
  
• Large fruit (low seed output)
  
• Requires well-drained soil (not versatile)
  
• No spines, thorns, burrs
  
• Palatable and non-toxic (livestock fodder, edible roots)
  
• Not allelopathic, parasitic, or fire-prone
  
• No vegetative reproduction