Dendroseris litoralis - Cabbage Tree

The Dendroseris litoralis (syn. littoralis), commonly known as the cabbage tree, due to the appearance of its leaves, is a curious perennial shrub plant, endemic to Robinson Crusoe Island, one of the volcanic islands in the Juan Fernández archipelago located off the coast of Chile. Threatened by extinction on its native island, particularly due to introduced goats, this plant has been extensively propagated in Europe by collectors and enthusiasts of rarities. This superb creature is an excellent veranda, greenhouse or indoor plant, prized for its exotic appearance, spectacular leaves and stunning orange flowering.

The Dendroseris littoralis belongs to the Asteraceae family, it is a cousin of asters and sunflowers. On its island, governed by a cool and rather humid climate, this plant grows in rocky and dry areas, but it will have high water needs and require regular watering if grown in a pot. Similarly, in our climates, it is preferable to shelter it from the scorching sun and the wind that would damage its leaves. In favourable conditions, it proves to be vigorous and fairly easy to grow. Its hardiness is evaluated at -4 or -5 °C at its peak, for a well-established plant.

The cabbage tree is characterised by an original habit, reminiscent of a palm tree: the plant produces several thickening and knotty stems with age, each topped with a bouquet of large leaves. Its growth is quite fast, reaching approximately 2.50 m (8 ft 2 in) in height and 1.50 m (4 ft 11 in) in width. In the ground, its dimensions can be more imposing. The young trunks have whitish leaf scars. The evergreen foliage is composed of thick, glossy, rubbery-textured oval leaves, measuring up to 46 cm (18.1 in) long. They are edible. Flowering occurs in spring or summer in France, on mature plants aged 4-5 years. Long and beautiful pendulous flower heads composed of beautiful flowers appear in the heart of the leaves, inclined towards the ground, resembling acorns. The colour of their petals is a very vivid orange. In nature, these flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds that come to collect their sweet nectar.

The coastal Dendroseris, when planted in the ground, will acclimatise more easily in coastal gardens, as it appreciates cool and humid climates. It should, of course, be placed as a standalone plant, or in front of a fairly neutral vegetation background (evergreen hedge, olearias, Elaeagnus). In an exotic looking bed, it can be planted with red-flowered callistemons (Callistemon citrinus 'Splendens') or Erythrines, the Chilean fire tree, the Lapageria, etc. For gardeners in cooler climates, it remains a beautiful conservatory plant. In a greenhouse or veranda will form a beautiful quartet with an orange tree, a myrtle, a Tibouchina, or a mimosa, evoking decorative landscapes with exotic charms and fragrances.