Stink Bean
Paraserianthes lophantha
NEMBA category
English: Stink Bean, Australian Albizia, Cape Wattle, Crested Wattle, Silk Tree, Cape Leeuwin Wattle, Australian Lace Tree
Afrikaans: Stinkboon, Sirus
Paraserianthes lophantha, commonly known as the Cape Wattle or Stink Bean, is a fast-growing evergreen tree or shrub native to Australia. It typically reaches heights of 4 to 6 metres, with feathery, bipinnate leaves and showy, creamy-yellow flower spikes that bloom in late winter to spring.
Its rapid growth and prolific seed production make it highly invasive in South Africa, where it out-competes native vegetation, particularly in coastal and forested areas.
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Origins: Australia
Overall Appearance: A fast-growing, evergreen tree or large shrub reaching heights of 4 to 6 metres, occasionally more. It is characterised by its feathery, light green foliage and fluffy cream-coloured flowers.
Leaves: Bipinnately compound, meaning the leaves are divided into numerous small leaflets arranged along a central stem (rachis). Leaflets are small (2-5 mm long and 1-2 mm wide), oblong to lance-shaped, and a light to mid-green colour. The overall appearance of the foliage is delicate and lacy.
Flowers: Creamy white or pale yellow, borne in dense, cylindrical spikes (racemes) 5-10 cm long. Flowers are made up of numerous stamens, giving them a fluffy appearance. Highly fragrant. Flowering occurs primarily in spring (August to October), but sporadic flowering can occur throughout the year.
Fruits: Flat, brown seed pods, 5-12 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. Pods are initially green, turning brown and woody as they mature. They split open to release the seeds.
Seeds: Small, flat, oval-shaped, and dark brown or black. Numerous seeds are produced per pod.
Bark: Smooth and greyish-brown when young, becoming rougher and fissured with age.
Wood: Relatively soft and not very durable.
Soil Type: Tolerant of a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Prefers well-drained soils but can tolerate some waterlogging.
Aspect: Prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
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