Schotia afra aka Karoo Boerboon

Schotia afra is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It belongs to Fabaceae, the pea and bean family. Its native range runs from Namibia into South Africa’s Cape region. It grows in dry scrub and bushveld in southern Africa. It also lives on rough, dry ground in valley country. Plants often grow beside dry streams and small rivers. The species has a Least Concern conservation listing, reported from 2011.

The plant branches freely and forms a spreading crown. Its trunk often has a bent or knotted shape. The listed garden height is about 16 feet [5 metres]. Some plants reach about 23 feet [7 metres]. Its evergreen leaves keep the crown in leaf year-round. Gardeners grow it as an ornamental tree, valued for its flowers. It takes pruning well and can also form a bonsai. This offers another way to grow its branching form.

The flowers supply plenty of nectar for visiting birds. Sunbirds are among the birds drawn to them. Birds also serve as pollinators for this species. The fruit is a pod that holds the seeds. As a pod dries, it bursts and throws them out. People gather the seeds for food while green or mature. One traditional method starts with roasting whole green pods. Heat steams the seeds inside before people remove them. Roasted seeds can also be ground into meal.

Grow this plant in full sun or light shade. Young plants grow well in rich soil that drains freely. The source rates its overall growth as moderate. It comes mainly from dry parts of the subtropics. Unlike many legumes, it reportedly does not fix nitrogen. Sow seeds in well-drained loam under light shade. Cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water the seed tray daily and avoid crowding the seeds. Close spacing can raise the risk of damping off. Seeds may sprout within about seven days.

Beyond food and garden use, the tree supplies useful materials. Its bark provides tannins, and its wood serves as fuel. The hard, durable wood has a reddish-brown tone. People have used it for yokes and wheel rims. The source records no known medicinal uses or hazards. That report does not establish safety for every use.