Passerina spp.

Gonnas

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Passerina spp. is a genus of about 20 species of wiry, heath-like evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to southern Africa with a few species reaching tropical East Africa. Plants form slender, often drooping branches 0.5-3 m (1.6-10 ft) tall, densely covered in small, scale-like or needle-like leaves pressed close to the stems, giving a slender, cord-like texture; this habit lends the Afrikaans common name gonna. The tiny flowers lack showy petals and are wind-pollinated, borne in the leaf axils or short spikes, followed by small dry or fleshy fruit. Several species grow on coastal dunes and sandy flats, where the tough, flexible stems help bind shifting sand, while others occur in fynbos and renosterveld. The bark yields strong fibres once used for rope and thatch. Plants tolerate wind, salt, and drought but are tender to hard frost. Species such as P. filiformis and P. rigida are grown for dune stabilisation and coastal planting.

Native Range

Passerina spp. is native to southern Africa, concentrated in South Africa, especially the Cape, with some species extending into Namibia and tropical East African mountains. Plants grow on coastal dunes, sandy flats, fynbos, and renosterveld.

Suggested Uses

Passerina spp. is planted for dune and slope stabilisation, in coastal and water-wise gardens, and as a low informal screen in mild climates. The flexible stems and dense foliage suit windy, sandy sites. The seed and cover support coastal birds and insects.

How to Identify

Identify Passerina spp. by its wiry, often drooping stems densely clothed in small, scale-like leaves arranged in four ranks, giving a cord-like or whipcord appearance. The tiny flowers sit in the leaf axils and lack showy petals. The four-ranked leaves and tough, fibrous bark separate it from heaths and other ericoid shrubs.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'8" - 10'

Width/Spread2' - 6'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Fall Winter

Flowering can occur over much of the year, with peaks in autumn and winter in many species. The small wind-pollinated flowers are inconspicuous and produce light, dry fruit. Bloom timing varies with rainfall across the range.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

greenish to yellow

Foliage Description

green to grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Passerina spp. grows in full sun on sharply drained sandy or rocky soils, including nutrient-poor and coastal ground, and tolerates a soil pH of about 5.5-7.5. Established plants withstand wind, salt spray, and drought, which suits them to exposed coastal sites. They need little water once rooted and decline in heavy, wet, or rich soil. Most are tender and damaged by hard frost, so cultivation is limited to mild and coastal climates. Growth is moderate to fast in suitable conditions.

Pruning

A light trim shapes young plants and keeps them dense, and is done after the main flush of growth. Plants reshoot poorly from old leafless wood, so cutting is kept to younger stems. Spent growth needs no routine removal.