Schotia afra Bonsai Seeds - Indigenous Karoo Boer-Bean, Karoo Huilboerboon - New

Schotia is a genus of 4 or 5 species in the legume family, Fabaceae. It belongs to the sub family Caesalpinioideae. They are evergreen or deciduous shrubs and small trees from the hot, dry areas of central and southern Africa. They are grown for their showy clusters of flowers which are followed by protein-rich, oblong leathery pods. They need a warm, frost-free climate and shelter from wind and grow best in full sun and light to medium well-drained soil. Propagate from seeds or cuttings in spring.

Schotia afra, with its attractive flowers, non-invasive root system, gnarled trunk and small size, is extremely well suited to small gardens. The flowers produce an abundance of nectar which attracts birds and butterflies. After flowering, large, lime green to pinkish seed pods are produced which turn brown when ripe. This tree can tolerate some pruning to keep it in shape. It can be used as a shade and ornamental tree. The seeds are edible either green, or mature. They can be used as a meal if roasted and ground. The bark, if ground and soaked in water, can be used as tannin. Schotia afra can be pruned to shape and can be grown as a bonsai specimen when it is best suited to upright styles. The name boerboon was given to certain indigenous seeds that are edible. Flowers produce copious amounts of nectar which attract birds, especially sunbirds. Some butterflies like the Deudorix antalis breeds in the tree.