Indigenous tree of the month (8)

During the past few months, we have provided information about the indigenous trees that occur in our village. The purpose was not only to inform, but also to encourage residents to dedicate themselves to their conservation.

This month we feature the last of the series, i.e. the Tree Wistaria (Bolusanthus speciosus), one of the most spectacular of our indigenous trees when in flower. In Afrikaans it is called Vanwykshout.

One of the most spectaclular of our indigenous trees when in flower

PHILIP VAN DEN BERG (U34) writes: Quite a few Tree Wistarias flourish in our village, e.g. close to U124 and U82.

One of a few Tree Wistarias in our village grows next to U124 

The Tree Wistaria is a decorative, slender, upright, small to medium-sized tree that is widespread in the bushveld areas of southern Africa where it prefers to grow where dolerite outcrops are close to the surface. The dark vertically fissured bark is characteristic.

The vertically fissured bark is characteristic

The striking clusters of pale blue to velvet flowers are produced in profusion during September and October, sometimes even before the new leaves appear. Long papery pods are borne in clusters.

The Tree Wistaria blooms in Spring

Long papery pods are borne in clusters

This versatile tree is very hardy and drought resistant, making it ideal for the garden. The roots are not invasive.

The wood of the Tree Wistaria is sought after by carpenters, because it makes excellent furniture. It works well on a lathe, turning out beautiful table lamps and other articles. The straight growing stems are very hard, termite resistant and used for fencing posts. The roots are used medicinally to alleviate stomach problems and the inner bark is used to treat abdominal cramps.