Leucosidea sericea, commonly known as Oldwood, is an evergreen tree or large shrub native to the montane forests, grasslands, and streambanks of the highland regions of southern Africa, including South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. It typically grows up to 23 feet (7 meters) tall and 16 feet (5 meters) wide, featuring rough, reddish-brown bark and dark green, glossy leaves with deeply serrated margins. In early to mid-spring, Oldwood produces clusters of greenish-yellow, star-shaped flowers in dense spikes, which are followed by nut-like fruits that mature from December to January. The flowers are modest in appearance but contribute to the local ecosystem as a food source for insects.

Oldwood is valued for its hardy nature and adaptability to different soil types, making it suitable for reforestation projects and erosion control. It is also used for practical purposes such as fenceposts and fuel. In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant are used to treat ailments. This species prefers full sun to partial shade and requires moderate watering, with well-drained soil. It is relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained conditions. Gardeners should be aware that Oldwood may spread if not managed properly, and its presence can be an indicator of overgrazing or poor veld management in its native habitat.CC BY-SA 4.0