Botanical Name: Schotia brachypetala
Common Name: Weeping Boer-Boon

 

Use: Outdoors
Indigenous/Exotic : Indigenous
Evergreen/Deciduous : Deciduous
Plant Type : Tree
Flower Colour : Crimson red
Foliage Colour : Green
Best season : Spring
Light : Sun
Hardiness : Semi-hardy
Attributes : Wind Resistant, Attracts Bird
and Butterflies
Height (m) : 5 - 12
Spread (m) : 8
    
Notes : A most attractive shade and ornamental tree that forms a dense, rounded spreading head. The leaves, are bronze tinted when they first unfold, but soon change to pale green and at length become dark and glossy. In a warm, moist climate it will have only a short deciduous period at the end of winter. The flowers are the most outstanding feature. They are showy, crimson, sweetly scented and borne in Spring with a glorious supply of nectar attracting a variety of brids and insects including bees. Native to warm, dry localities, the tree can withstand a great deal of drought and thrives where summers are hot and rainfall low to moderate. However, it is tender to frost when young and grows rather slowly. The woody pods tend to disintergrate while still on the tree, to reveal pale pinkish-brown seeds. The seeds germinate readily, even if stored for some time. Transplant carefully in deep, sandy soil. Schotia brachypetala should not be planted too close to a patio or driveway - it may damage paving and "weep" on parked vehicle.