Cussonia is a genus of plants of the family Araliaceae, which is native to the Afrotropics. It originated in Africa and has its center of distribution in South Africa and the Mascarene Islands. Due to their striking habit, they are a conspicuous and easily recognizable group of plants. Their genus name commemorates the botanist Pierre Cusson. They are squat to lanky shrubs and trees with a palm-like habit. Their stems and underground parts are succulent, and their bark is often corky. These plants are best grown from seed. These plants can handle an occasional and mild frost, but a chill will make the leaves fall off.

Cussonia transvaalensis, commonly known as the grey cabbage tree, is highly desirable as an accent plant in the landscape, as a sculptural potted individual specimen placed in the ideal position or a bonsai subject. This South African endemic specie requires well-drained soil and a warm garden; it can tolerate more water in the garden than what it gets in the wild and makes a lovely garden subject. The foliage is greyish green-blueish green & the leaves look like giant green snowflakes! Growing natively on dry rocky slopes, its best planted in well-drained soil. Unfortunately, it is seldom used and rarely found available in nurseries.