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Peltophorum africanum

by Johan Wentzel

Peltophorum africanum
Common Name
Weeping wattle
Plant Type
Tree
Peltophorum africanum blooms profusely with spikes of beautiful, yellow, crinkly flowers that persist for weeks. Makes a good shade tree and an excellent garden subject. It has beautiful architecture when leafless.
Plant Description

The colourful, indigenous Peltophorum africanum is a wildlife friendly tree that attracts insects and animals alike throughout the year.

Growing to a height of between 5 to 7 m and even higher, the tree, also known as the African Wattle, provides welcome shade during the hot months with its large, acacia-like, feathery leaves.  It has a rounded, spreading crown that is most attractive.  The semi-deciduous tree has a low branching habit, and during winter the aesthetically pleasing shape of the branches is revealed.  Younger branches display smooth, grey bark whereas more mature branches have grooved grey brown bark.  The tree does not have any thorns.

From November to February bright, spikes of yellow flowers bloom profusely on the ends of the branches in upright, showy sprays.  The flowers have crinkled petals and produce copious amounts of pollen and nectar, attracting insects, bees and butterflies.  After flowering, long, dark brown to black seedpods appear in clusters that can stay on the tree for most of the year.

Peltophorum africanum has a fairly fast growth rate of up to 1 m per year under favourable conditions.  It is a hardy tree that can withstand drought and cold conditions, but care should be taken to protect young trees from frost. The root system is fairly large, depending on the size of the tree.

The versatile Weeping Wattle does well as an ornamental street tree  or focal point in a garden providing shade and colour during the warm months and allowing sun to penetrate during the colder months. The tree will provide year round interest and aid in enticing birds and other wildlife to the garden. It has beautiful architecture when leafless.

Peltophorum africanum superficially resembles a thorn tree but has no thorns. It is a low-maintenance tree in a garden.

You may find stock of this plant at Random Harvest.

Afrikaanse Naam
Huilboom
Hardiness
Hardy
Position
Sun
Water Requirements
Water wise
Evergreen
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Moderate
Flowering Time
All year
Flower Colour
Yellow
Shape
Umbrella
Soil
Loam
Plant Size
7m
Region
Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo
Habitat
Savannah
Grown by Wildflower Nursery
Yes

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