Osyris compressa

Cultivation Details

A plant of arid to moist areas in the tropics and subtropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 2,960 metres. It grows best in areas where the mean annual temperature is within the range 14 - 32°c, and the mean annual rainfall from 300 - 2,120mm^[1]. Grows well in sandy soils and a sunny position^[2]. Plants do exceptionally well in coastal areas and are very tolerant of windy conditions^[2]. Individual plants are relatively short-lived but produce an abundance of fruits to ensure reproduction^[2]. A fast growing plant that establishes itself rapidly through masses of seeds, which are produced for at least eight months of the year^[2]. Flowers are either just male on one plant or hermaphroditic (can be male or female on the same plant)^[2]. The flowers of this species are always hermaphrodite - plants with monoecious flowers are more likely to belong to the species Osyris lanceolata^[3]. The flowers and fruits are produced erratically throughout the year^[2]. As with the other member of the Santalaceae family, the Cape sumach parasitizes nearby plants by means of root attachments. The young plant may utilize water and important nutrients from the host plant, and may become less dependent as it matures; the plant is not entirely dependent on host plants and can survive on its own should the host plant die until another suitable host is found^[2].