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Weeping Boer-bean
Schotia brachypetala
SA tree no: 202
English: Weeping Boer-bean
Afrikaans: Huilboerboon, Huilboom
Xhosa: umfofofo, umgxam, ishimnumyane
Zulu: ihluze, umgxamu, uvovovo
N. Sotho: molope
Siswati: uvovovo
Tsonga: nwavilombe
Tswana: umutwa
Venda: mulibi, mununzwa, mununzwu, mutanswa
Historical scientific names: Schotia speciosa, Schotia cuneifolia
Schotia brachypetala, commonly known as Weeping Boer-bean or Huilboerboon, is a magnificent indigenous evergreen to semi-deciduous medium to large tree native to the warmer, summer rainfall regions of South Africa. It is widely admired for its dense, dark green foliage and, most notably, for its spectacular masses of vibrant, deep red to crimson flowers that cover the tree, producing such copious amounts of nectar that it often drips to the ground, giving rise to its common name. This hardy and striking tree is an excellent choice for a shade tree, ornamental specimen, or street tree, providing significant ecological benefits by attracting a myriad of birds and insects.
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Distinguishing features:
A medium to large-sized evergreen to semi-deciduous tree with a dense, spreading crown.
Features glossy, dark green, pinnately compound leaves that are often reddish when new.
Produces spectacular, dense clusters of vibrant deep red to crimson flowers that are rich in nectar and "weep" from the tree.
Flowers appear directly on the old wood (cauliflorous) and on young branches.
Bears flattened, woody, dark brown seed pods that are persistent and split open on the tree.
Seeds are edible when roasted or boiled, with a prominent yellow aril.
Overall appearance:
Schotia brachypetala is a stately tree with a broad, rounded, and dense crown of glossy foliage, casting deep shade. Its most captivating feature is the intense burst of vibrant red flowers that cover its branches and trunk, often dripping nectar, creating a truly spectacular and memorable display.
Height:
Typically grows 7 to 15 metres tall, but can reach up to 20 metres in favourable conditions.
Width:
Forms a broad, spreading crown, usually 5 to 10 metres wide.
Leaves:
Pinnately compound, alternate, 8–15 cm long.
Composed of 4 to 8 pairs of opposite or sub-opposite leaflets.
Leaflets are oblong to elliptic, relatively large, 3–7 cm long and 1.5–3 cm wide.
They are relatively thin but firm, glossy dark green on the upper surface, paler beneath.
Margins are entire (smooth).
New growth often emerges with a beautiful reddish or bronze tint.
Flowers:
Showy, vibrant deep red to crimson, small, bell-shaped, about 1 cm long.
Borne in dense, many-flowered, rounded clusters (panicles) up to 15 cm long.
Produced profusely, often directly on the old woody stems and branches (cauliflory), as well as on younger growth.
They produce copious amounts of sticky, sweet nectar that drips from the flowers, giving rise to the common name "Weeping Boer-bean" or "Huilboerboon".
Flowering season:
Primarily flowers in late winter to spring, typically from August to November, but can sometimes flower sporadically at other times.
Fruits:
Flat, woody, oblong pods, 6–15 cm long and 3–5 cm wide.
Initially green, ripening to a dark brown or reddish-brown.
They are hard and persistent, splitting open along two seams (dehiscent) when dry, often remaining on the tree for many months.
Seeds:
Flat, disc-shaped to roundish, dark brown to black, typically 1.5–2.5 cm in diameter. Each seed has a distinctive, fleshy, bright yellow aril (a small appendage) at one end.
Bark:
Smooth and grey on younger stems, becoming rougher, fissured, and darker greyish-brown to black with age. It can sometimes be slightly flaky.
Stems:
Relatively sturdy, upright main stem with many spreading branches forming a dense, rounded crown. Young branches are smoother and often pale grey-green.
Wood:
The wood is hard, dense, and durable, often reddish-brown. Historically used for wagon parts, furniture, and fence posts. Not a commercially significant timber today.
Thorns:
This tree is thornless.
Roots:
Possesses a strong, relatively deep, non-invasive root system, generally suitable for planting closer to structures than some larger trees.
Soil type:
Highly adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and even clay soils. It prefers fertile conditions but can tolerate less ideal soils.
Aspect:
Thrives in full sun for best flowering performance. It is very drought-tolerant once established and moderately frost-hardy, tolerating light to moderate frost. It is well-suited to hot, dry inland areas as well as coastal conditions, tolerating some salt spray.
Edibility:
The seeds are edible. They can be eaten fresh, roasted (which enhances flavour), or boiled. The bright yellow aril is also edible and sweet.
Toxicity:
Considered non-toxic. The seeds and arils are edible.
Uses:
Ornamental Tree: One of South Africa's most popular ornamental trees, widely planted in gardens, parks, and as a street tree. Its spectacular flowers, dense shade, and attractive foliage make it highly desirable.
Shade Tree: Its dense canopy provides excellent shade, making it ideal for patios, picnic areas, and along driveways.
Wildlife Attractor: The copious, sugary nectar attracts a wide array of bird species (especially sunbirds, starlings, bulbuls) and insects (butterflies, bees), making it a valuable biodiversity contributor. The aril-covered seeds are also eaten by birds.
Edible Plant: The seeds (boer-beans) and their arils are a traditional and nutritious food source.
Traditional Uses: Various parts of the tree, including bark, roots, and leaves, have been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including digestive issues and skin complaints.
Ecology:
Pollination: The nectar-rich flowers are primarily pollinated by birds (ornithophily), particularly sunbirds, and various insects. The "weeping" nectar attracts insects, which in turn attract insectivorous birds.
Seed Dispersal: Seeds are dispersed by birds that consume the aril and by small mammals. The pods also dry and can split, releasing seeds.
Butterfly Host: Larvae of the Brown Playboy butterfly (Deudorix antalus) feed on its leaves.
Browse: Leaves are browsed by various herbivores, including giraffe and kudu in the wild.
Distribution and habitat:
Schotia brachypetala is widely distributed throughout the eastern summer rainfall regions of South Africa and extends northwards into tropical Africa.
South African Provinces: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Gauteng. Also found in Swaziland, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and further north.
Habitat: Primarily found in evergreen forests, coastal bush, riverine fringe vegetation, bushveld, and on rocky outcrops. It often thrives in deeper, well-drained soils.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Schotia honours Richard van der Schot (died 1825), who was the chief gardener of the Imperial Garden at Schönbrunn in Vienna.
The species epithet brachypetala is derived from the Greek words 'brachys' meaning "short," and 'petalon' meaning "petal," referring to its short, almost absent petals, which are much reduced compared to its showy stamens.
Common names like "Weeping Boer-bean" and "Huilboerboon" (Afrikaans for weeping farmer's bean) directly refer to the copious amounts of nectar that drip from the flowers, and the edible seeds.
Historical aspects:
Schotia brachypetala has been a culturally and ecologically significant tree in South Africa for centuries. Its edible seeds were a crucial traditional food source for indigenous communities. It is one of the most widely recognised and cultivated indigenous trees, celebrated for its spectacular floral display and its role in supporting local wildlife.
Interesting facts:
This "Weeping Boer-bean" is famous for its incredible flowers that literally drip with sweet, sticky nectar – you can even find pools of it on the ground beneath the tree!
While it's called a "Boer-bean," its most vibrant parts aren't the beans themselves, but the spectacular clusters of red flowers that often grow directly on the old woody branches, making the whole tree look like it's on fire!
When the new leaves first appear, they are a gorgeous reddish or bronze colour before turning their usual glossy dark green, adding another layer of beauty to this magnificent tree.
Growing tips:
Propagation: Best propagated from fresh seeds. Seeds have a hard coat and benefit from scarification (e.g., nicking the coat with nail clippers) or soaking in warm water overnight to aid germination. Sow in well-drained, sandy loam. Germination is usually good and relatively quick.
Planting: Prefers a sunny position and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of various soil types but thrives in fertile conditions. Give it plenty of space to develop its broad crown.
Watering: Water regularly for the first two to three years to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant and requires minimal additional watering.
Frost: Moderately frost-hardy. Young plants may need protection from severe frost. Established trees can withstand light to moderate frost, but prolonged severe cold might cause some leaf drop.
Maintenance: Relatively low maintenance. Prune only to shape, remove dead or damaged branches, or to lift the crown for clearance. It is a moderately fast-growing tree once established.
Pests/Diseases: Generally robust. Young foliage might occasionally be susceptible to aphids; use an environmentally friendly insecticidal soap if needed.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
Common name
Scientific Name
Plant type:
Plant type
Plant family:
Fabaceae (Latin plant name) - Order: Fabales