Karoo Boer-Bean
Schotia afra var. afra
Small Boer-Bean, Hottentots Bean, Karoohuilboerboon, Karoo-Boerboon, Kleinboerboontjie, Boonenboom (Afr.)
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This perennial tree-shrub can be used as a shade tree in the garden or a beautiful ornamental feature. The scarlet red flowers attract sunbirds which feed off the nectar. The seeds are edible and are usually prepared by being roasted and ground.
ZA Distribution: Eastern Cape, Western Cape.
Related Plants
Planning
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering time
Summer, Autumn
Fruiting time
Autumn
Harvesting
Collect seeds in winter from browned seedpods which are scattered around the trees.
Propagation
Seed
Sow seeds during late spring in seed trays with moist, loamy soil. Keep in shaded area. Water well once a week. Germination should take place within 7 days.
Special features
Attracts birds
The nectar that is produced by the flowers attracts birds like Lesser Double Collared Sunbirds and Malachite Sunbirds.
Drought resistant
Can survive for extended periods with little watering.
Attracts useful insects
Host to certain butterflies (Deudorix antalis lays its eggs in the trees).
Special features
Origin
The Little Karoo, dry areas of the Eastern Cape and Southern parts of the Western Cape.
Natural climate
Temperate
Environment
Light
Full Sun
Soil moisture
Dry
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil PH preference
Acid, Neutral
Frost hardiness
Tender
Uses
Edible
The seeds are edible and can be eaten when roasted and ground.
Personality
Family
Fabaceae
Flower colour
Pink, Red
Scent
None
Problems
Aphids or greenflies may attack the leaves. Spray with an approved aphicide or dishwashing liquid (10 mL in 5 L of water) once a week to break the insect's life cycle.
Related Problems
Credits
Schotia afra var. afra
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by Ian Oliver, Karoo Desert NBG, March 2003 (Copyright South African National Biodiversity Institute, South Africa)