Trail 10

History Trail

10 Tecoma Hedge

Near the swing gate can be found the last remnants of a hedge of Tecoma capensis. Tecoma is native to South Africa and is also known as Cape Honeysuckle. The hedge once surrounded all the front garden.

Tecoma makes a good hedge plant because of its dense rambling habit, which makes it difficult for animals to penetrate. Being between 1-2 metres tall, this hedge would also have provided good shelter for the vegetable gardens at the back of Williams House.

If left un-trimmed, tecoma will produce bright orange-red, trumpet-like flowers that have a lot of nectar. This makes the flowering plant attractive to butterflies and birds, such as our native tui.