Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha) Warburgia salutaris
Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha) (Warburgia salutaris) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Canellaceae family, native to South-eastern Africa (Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi). It grows 5–10 m (16–33 ft) tall and 3–6 m (10–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
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Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Canellaceae |
| Mature height | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South-eastern Africa (Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇰🇪 Kenya |
Is Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: bark
Bark and leaves are hot and peppery and used in traditional medicine; no reliable toxicity data.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha)
- How far apart should I plant Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–6 m (10–20 ft).
- Does Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha) flower?
- From about May for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. Bark and leaves are hot and peppery and used in traditional medicine; no reliable toxicity data.
- What grows well with Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pepper-bark tree (isibhaha). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, IUCN
Notes and assumptions
- Endangered in the wild because the bark is stripped for the traditional medicine trade; garden and nursery trees help supply leaves instead of bark. Glossy aromatic leaves; a fine small evergreen garden tree.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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