Schotia brachypetala
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| Schotia brachypetala |
Schotia brachypetala is a flowering plant in the family Fabaceae (bean family/pod-bearing family/legumes) and the sub-family Caesalpinioideae. It has many common names, including (but not limited to) the Parrot Tree, Drunken Parrot Tree, Weeping Schotia, Weeping Boerboon, Huilboerboon, Tree Fuchsia, and African Walnut.
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[edit] Habit
A very beautiful medium to large, spreading tree, growing up to 20 metres, but more commonly from 5 to 10 metres depending on conditions. Canopy spread can vary between 5 to 15 metres. Trees grown in poor soil or in very dry conditions tend to be smaller (about 5 metres tall with a 5 metre canopy spread) and more sparsely foliaged. Trunk form varies from specimens with single trunks to low-branching specimens with multiple trunks. Leaves are compound, comprised of 4 to 8 pairs of leaflets, each with an entire, wavy margin attached to a stem. Mature leaves are a glossy deep green, with new growth being a very light bronze colour that becomes bright, vivid, glossy green before deepening to the dark green of the mature leaves. Bark is smooth and varies from grey to light brown from tree to tree. Flowers are numerous, a deep red, and are filled with nectar. Flowers generally appear in Spring, although exact flowering times very from tree to tree. In cold areas subject to frost, schotias can be semi-deciduous for a short period in winter. The fruit is a small, hard, woody pod that splits on the tree releasing the seed contained inside.
[edit] Range
A native of the Southern parts of Africa, but now widely cultivated outside its natural range, particularly in Australia, where it is a common street tree.
[edit] Trivia
The common name of Parrot Tree derives from the large numbers of parrots attracted to the tree during its flowering season. The common name of Drunken Parrot Tree derives from the fact that the individual flowers contain so much nectar that it has a tendency to ferment before the birds can eat it all, resulting in a mild narcotic effect on the birds. The "Weeping" label in some of its common names refers to the copious quantities of nectar that can drip out of the flowers rather than to a tendency of the foliage to "weep" or "droop".
[edit] Cultivation
Schotia is an easily grown tree, and is remarkably hardy in both poor soil and very dry conditions. Adverse conditions will affect the growth rate, with poor conditions considerably slowing the speed of growth. In good quality, well-drained soil with plenty of moisture the tree grows very quickly, easily reaching 5 metres within a few years.
[edit] Gallery
More to come here soon (06-Feb-2007).
