Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Schotia latifolia Jacq.

Frost-tender, evergreen, domed or columnar tree with leaves composed of up to 5 pairs of leaflets, and many-branched, terminal panicles, to 13cm, of pink to red-brown flowers, followed by woody fruits, to 15cm long.  To 14m.  [RHSD, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

Introduced to Britain in 1810.  [JD].

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [T.936/1843].  A mature specimen of Schotia growing in the gardens today has been identified as Schotia brachypetala Sond. but in its leaves, flowers and legumes it conforms closely to Schotia latifolia Jacq.  In particular its flowers are pale pink rather than the scarlet more usual in Schotia brachypetala, S. capitata or S. speciosa.  This tree is between 10 and 15 metres tall.  A fine specimen of Schotia brachypetala Sond. also grows in the gardens.

Notes

Published Dec 25, 2009 - 04:04 PM | Last updated Jul 21, 2010 - 02:21 PM

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The photograph shows pinnate leaves and a panicle of pale pink flowers. Photograph, Camden Park.

Schotia latifolia Jacq. | Camden Park | Colin Mills

Family Fabaceae
Category
Region of origin

South Africa
Synonyms
Common Name

Elephant hedge, Bush boer-bean tree, Bosboerboon
Name in the Camden Park Record

Schotia latifolia
Confidence level high