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 sphaerocephala is a strikingly beautiful tree which is widely cultivated both locally and abroad for its striking evergreen foliage. Its unusual form makes it a feature in the garden as well as a wonderful bonsai. The genus Cussonia as a whole is less well known to horticulture, despite the fact that it hosts numerous very attractive species from dwarf to very large trees.