Mundulea sericea aka Corkbush

Mundulea sericea is a large shrub or small tree. It belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. Its native range spans tropical and southern Africa, Madagascar, India and Sri Lanka. It grows in regions with a dry season. People have spread it beyond its native range for fish poisoning. Wild plants grow in open forest, bushland and thickets. They also grow on rocky hills in deciduous woodland.

The plant forms a bushy crown and sheds some leaves. The source lists a height of about 20 feet [6 metres]. Its broader height range is 3–26 feet [1–8 metres]. Rare trees reach 39 feet [12 metres]. A straight trunk bears thick, corky bark. Its surface may stay smooth or develop cracks. This bark gives some protection against bush fires. Bees pollinate the flowers, and the plant forms seedpods. The supplied account gives no flower colour or bloom season.

Grow it in full sun or light shade. It prefers deep sand or gravel with good drainage. Soil rich in organic matter suits it best. The source rates its growth as medium, but also calls it slow. Reported yearly growth is about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. Growth increases as the tree gets older. Its roots do not spread aggressively. It regrows well after coppicing, which cuts stems near ground level. Root nodules house bacteria that fix nitrogen from the air. Some of this nitrogen can also support nearby plants.

Gardeners grow this species as an ornamental tree or hedge. It also has potential for helping restore native woodland. Its hard seeds benefit from scarification before sowing. Germination takes about two to six weeks. The wood is hard, tough and close-grained, with yellow heartwood. Working it releases a strong, unpleasant smell. People use small branches as toothbrush sticks. They also mix crushed leaves with fat as hair dye.

No edible uses are recorded in the supplied account. Leaves, bark and seeds contain rotenone, an insecticidal compound. People crush several plant parts to poison fish. This use kills fish rather than just stunning them. Traditional remedies use leaves to induce vomiting in people and dogs. Root infusions have also been used for infertility. These reports describe uses, not evidence of safe treatment. The supplied sources give no hardiness rating or specific pest and disease problems.