Cape Sumach (Colpoon Compressum) is a perennial shrub in the Santalaceae family with moderate care difficulty. It requires moderate watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. This plant is safe for cats and dogs.

Colpoon compressum, commonly known as Cape sumach or wild plum, is an evergreen shrub native to South Africa, known for its facultative hemiparasitic nature and sweet, dark plum-like fruit.

Cape Sumach

Cape Sumach

Colpoon Compressum

Colpoon compressum, commonly known as Cape sumach or wild plum, is an evergreen shrub native to South Africa, known for its facultative hemiparasitic nature and sweet, dark plum-like fruit.

Quick Facts

Type
shrub
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Moderate
Water Needs
Moderate
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
9-11

Safety

🐕
Pet Safe
👶
Child Safe
Non-Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:sandy, loamy, gravelly
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:groundcover, specimen, erosion control

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Cape Sumach

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Cape Sumach
Cape Sumach detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Santalaceae
Genus:Colpoon