Gardenia volkensii

Gardenia volkensii K.Schum. subsp. spatulifolia (Stapf & Hutch.) Verdc. (Gardenia spatulifolia Stapf & Hutch.)

Common names

Bushveld gardenia, woodland gardenia (English); chikololo, mukololo (Bemba/Kunda); mtala, mvalani (Nyanja); mutala (Tumbuka).

General description and distinguishing characteristics

Can be confused with Gardenia resiniflua which is much rarer but also occurs in the valley, often on sandy soils.

Range and habitat

This small densely-foliated bush is moderately plentiful on clay soils along the Luangwa River.

© Photos: Bart Wursten, http://www.zimbabweflora.co.zw/