Sophora tomentosa
aka
Yellow Necklacepod
Taxonomy
Sophora tomentosa, also known as necklacepod, yellow necklacepod, and occasionally as silver bush, is a pantropical shrub or small tree in the family Fabaceae. It commonly ranges in height from 4 to 10 feet and often occurs in coastal conditions and near wetlands. The common name Necklacepod is derived from the characteristic string of seed pods that develop after its yellow flowers germinate into seeds. This beautiful, dense, multi-trunked shrub has odd-pinnately compound leaves consisting of 11-21 leaflets that are oval in shape. The leaves, rachis, petiole, and young branch tips are covered with silvery, velvety hairs that give the plant its silvery appearance.
Bright yellow flowers appear in spikes, 4-16 inches long, at the end of branches. Flowers occur periodically throughout the year, which makes it a desired garden plant. These showy flowers open from the base to the elongating tip of the flower spike. Attractive brown seedpods are borne on the plant after flowering ceases, but they can frequently be found on the plant together. These pods are 2-8 inches long, and the seeds are so prominent that they look like necklace beads.
Necklacepod is a nectar plant for bees, butterflies, and in parts of the Americas hummingbirds as well. It is suggested for use by native plant enthusiasts in Florida as a good landscape plant for xeriscaping but it only naturally occurs in coastal counties in the central and southern part of the state, while closely related varieties occur in Texas, and the Caribbean. The variety of Necklacepod growing in Australia is considered an endangered species in some areas due to the clearing of coastal habitat and displacement by invasive species. In Sri Lanka, the plant is known as moodu murunga. The inedible pod has some similarities to the murunga (drumstick) pod. It has been used to make fish poisons, insect and spider repellents, etc., especially in Africa.
Yellow Necklacepod is a rare houseplant that does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be less than 1 foot from a window. It likes soil that is well-draining and shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.
Common names
Yellow Necklacepod, Silverbush, Seacoast Laburnum
How to care for Yellow Necklacepod
Yellow Necklacepod presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.
Yellow Necklacepod loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Yellow Necklacepod thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Seacoast Laburnum.
The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.
The growth rate of Yellow Necklacepod is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.
More info:
Wikipedia
