Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Schotia brachypetala or Weeping boer-bean

The genus Schotia, family Fabaceae, comprises 4 species of trees native to southern Africa. The species are: Schotia brachypetala, Schotia afra, Schotia capitata, Schotia latifolia.

Common names: Weeping boer-bean, Tree fuchsia, African greenheart, African walnut. This species is native to South Africa.

They are wide-crowned trees that reach 10 meters (32.8 feet) in height in gardens. They have leaves composed of 4-8 deep green oval leaflets with a wavy edge. The showy red flowers appear in clusters with great profusion. They bloom in spring but can do so in other seasons of the year. They produce large light brown pods.

This easy-to-grow plant is used as isolated specimens, on streets and in public parks.

Schotia brachypetala can grow in full sun or light shade exposure. In winter the temperature should not be less than 6 ºC (42.8 ºF).

The soil can be a garden substrate with coarse sand to facilitate drainage and abundant organic matter.

Water regularly in spring and summer waiting for the top part of the soil to dry. Weeping boer-bean has quite a resistance to drought.

Fertilize in late winter with compost or manure and with a mineral fertilizer once in spring and once in summer.

African greenheart does not need pruning but damaged branches can be removed in early spring.

Schotia brachypetala is a quite resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases.

Tree fuchsia is propagated from seeds sown in spring in a seedbed with a slightly damp sandy substrate.

Images of the tree Schotia brachypetala or Weeping boer-bean