Schotia is a small genus of four species of trees in the legume family Fabaceae, placed in the subfamily Detarioideae. The genus is endemic to southern Africa, where its members are collectively known as boerbeans. Schotia trees are valued as shade and ornamental plants, and several species produce edible seeds that can be eaten green or roasted and ground into a meal. The bark of certain species has traditionally been used in tanning.
Within the Fabaceae, Detarioideae is one of the older subfamilies, retaining characteristics considered ancestral within the legume family. Schotia was described by the Austrian botanist Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin, who named the genus in honour of Richard van der Schot, head gardener at the Imperial Gardens at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. The genus contains four accepted species: Schotia afra, Schotia brachypetala, Schotia capitata, and Schotia latifolia. Schotia brachypetala, sometimes called the weeping boerbean or tree fuchsia, is the most widely cultivated member and is notable for its dense clusters of vivid red flowers that produce copious nectar. The trees are also suitable for cultivation as bonsai.
Etymology
The genus Schotia was named by the Austrian botanist Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin in honour of Richard van der Schot, who served as head gardener at the Imperial Gardens at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna under Jacquin's direction.
Distribution
Schotia is native to southern Africa. The genus is restricted to this region and all four accepted species occur there.
Cultural Uses
The seeds of Schotia are edible both when green and when mature; when roasted and ground they can be used as a meal. The bark has traditionally been used in tanning. The trees are also grown as shade and ornamental trees, and are suitable for bonsai cultivation. Leaves are browsed by livestock.
