Loxostylis alata Red Foliage. Picture courtesy www.newplant.co.za The tarwood occurs only in the warmer coastal regions of the southern and eastern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal. It can be found growing next to rivers or hilly wooded areas, along forest margins, and on rocky outcrops of quartz and sandstone. This ornamental evergreen tree has a compact shape and is usually single-stemmed but branches low down on the trunk. The new growth produced throughout the season, is an attractive red, turning to a deep, glossy green when mature. Attractive flowers and fruit are produced in summer.

The tarwood closely resembles the Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) and belongs to the same family. The Brazillian pepper has been declared a weed in KwaZulu-Natal, because it invades our coastal bush, woodlands, roadsides and riverbanks. It is classified as a category 3 invader elsewhere in S.A. and may not be planted in gardens. Existing plants may remain but must be prevented from spreading.

The tarwood makes a wonderful indigenous substitute for this invader. Other trees in this family include the red currant (Rhus chirindensis), the wild-plum (Harpephyllum caffrum) and the marula (Sclerocarya birrea).

Male and female flowers are produced on separate trees and can appear anytime from spring to late summer. The male flowers are white and pleasantly scented, and the female flowers are greenish white.

The petals of the female flowers drop quickly, but their sepals remain, covering the developing fruit and enlarging substantially; turning pink to rust-red and creating a very beautiful display. The name tarwood may be based on the oily substance exuded by the fruit. The flaky bark is light grey with vertical fissures, and if it is damaged, shows bright red. The alternate leaflets are typical of the species in that they have a conspicuous winged midrib. The bark and leaves are widely used in traditional medicine, particularly at childbirth.

Loxostylis alata Flowers. Picture courtesy www.lifeisagarden.co.zaThis beautiful small tree is fast growing and will not become too large, making it a good choice for small gardens. It can be grown as a large, dense shrub, and if it is pruned regularly, makes a useful screening or boundary plant. Under favourable conditions it can grow to 6m or more, but in gardens it generally grows 5 to 6m tall and about 4m wide.

The tarwood thrives in warmer areas but is cultivated in a wide range of habitats. It will tolerate mild frost if it is planted in a protected position in the garden.  Although it will tolerate drought once established, it grows best if watered regularly. It thrives in full sun or semi-shade and requires fertile, compost-enriched soil. Avoid disturbing the root-ball when planting out young trees. Mulch the roots with compost and feed with balanced organic fertiliser, to boost growth.

Propagation is best from hardwood cuttings in summer because, although the seeds germinate readily, they often transplant poorly.