I absolutely adore the Schotia as an ornamental tree in the garden, especially in the early spring with its contrasting bright green leaves and deep red showy flowers shining in the sun. The weeping Boer-bean is native to Southern Africa and there are only 4 species.
The Schotia is an evergreen, medium to large tree which grows between 9 to 17 metres tall and has a canopy spread of between 5 to 12 metres. It is a fast-growing, hardy tree which thrives in the warm bushveld regions, in deep sandy soil and lots of water during the hot summer months.
The leaves are compound (4-8 pairs of leaflets), light green in spring, turning a glossy darker green during summer.
It has a single trunk which can branch out low down. The bark is smooth and greyish brown.
The rich red flowers are produced in masses of clusters, each flower filled with an abundance of nectar, dripping from them during spring. Sunbirds, bees and insects adore feasting on it and sometimes the baboons and monkeys will join them. The name derived from its weeping flowers.
SThe Weeping Boer-bean is not only a decorative tree but a decoction of the roots and bark can be used for heartburn and diarrhoea. Seeds have a high carbohydrate content and can be roasted to make it ideal for consumption. The wood is heavy and termite resistant which makes it ideal for furniture.
It can be propagated through seeds or truncheon cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the early spring and truncheon cuttings must be taken in the winter.
That's a pretty cool tree, provides a lot of shade too. Very nice. @crazymumzysa
Thank you krazypoet. They are truly beautiful during spring.
Pics are very well
Thank you very much palerider.
I am always impressed by nature in every country. It differs so much that sometimes you cannot even imagine that such trees as are in your photos exist. Thank you for sharing. Incredibly)
It is always a pleasure to share the beauty which surrounds me. I also enjoy finding out about the different flowers and trees from other countries
Wow. That is one beautiful tree. Would love to have one in my backyard or front yard. Thank you for sharing, following you because I really like your photography and would like to see more of it.
Thank you very much for your support joalvarez. I absolutely adore this tree especially with its striking colours during spring.
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Thank you for being so kind mannyfig1956. I truly appreciate your support.
Nice tree =)
Thank you sunsurfsoul. Enjoy a lovely weekend.
Fantastic snaps @crazymumzysa. I really like the red dash of these flowers. They look very vibrant.
I love your play with words. Thank you very much.