Indigenous tree of the month (5)

As indicated previously, we will provide information during the next few months about the indigenous trees that occur in our village. The purpose is not only to inform, but also to encourage residents to dedicate themselves to their conservation.

This edition features the Weeping Boer-bean tree (Schotia brachypetala) In Afrikaans it is known as the Huilboerboonboom. A young(-ish) specimen may be viewed in Kwikstertjie Avenue next to U26.

The Weeping Boer-bean is a medium-sized tree with a low branching habit and an attractive, wide-spreading rounded crown. It is evergreen in our region. The tree gets its showy, new bright red leaves in spring, maturing to a glossy dark green.

The Weeping Boer-bean is a medium-sized tree

The common name of 'Weeping Boer-bean' is derived from the abundant nectar produced by the waxy, crimson flowers during September and October.  The nectar attracts a wide variety of birds and insects.

The flowers produce abundant nectar

After flowering, large seed pods develop which burst open when ripe.

Seed pods

The bark of younger trees is smooth and grey to light brown and as the tree matures it becomes darker and rougher. The bark can be used for dyeing, producing an earthy red-brown colour.

The bark of younger trees is smooth and grey to light brown

The timber is of a good quality and the hard heartwood is a dark walnut colour, and termite resistant. In the past it was used for wagon making, and today it is still used for making furniture. In traditional medicine a decoction of the bark or roots is taken by indigenous people to treat many ailments from heartburn and hangovers, to diarrhoea and nervous heart conditions. It is also believed to purify the blood. The seeds are edible after roasting, and although low in fat and protein, they have high carbohydrate content.