Podalyria calyptrata
| Podalyria calyptrata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Podalyria |
| Species: | P. calyptrata |
| Binomial name | |
| Podalyria calyptrata (Retz.) Willd. | |
Podalyria calyptrata (locally called Keurtjie or Water blossom pea) is a small, resilient, fast-growing tree of the Fabaceae (legume) family. It has velvety silver leaves, bears masses of bright-pink, sweetly scented flowers, and is indigenous to the Western Cape, South Africa. [1]
Appearance
Podalyria calyptrata is a small, tough, fast-growing tree of around 4 meters in height. The simple, oval leaves are silvery grey and velvety in texture.
The bright-pink, strongly fragrant flowers are very striking and usually appear in spring (although flowering time varies). The flowers are very strongly fragrant, and their sweet scent can be smelt from afar. The seeds are contained in hard little pods that appear considerably later.
Distribution
This tree occurs from Cape Town northwards as far as Tulbagh and eastwards across the Cape Fold mountains. It grows amongst Fynbos and on the verges of forests.
Cultivation
Once established, Podalyria calyptrata tolerates wind, frost and drought, but it is healthiest when it gets regular water and it does not grow well in highly salty or alkaline soils. Overall it is very easy to grow. It makes a good informal hedge or screen along the edge of a property. It also makes a handsome specimen plant, with its bright flowers and attractive foliage. If you want to become more bushy, plant it in full sun and lightly prune the young shoots. If planted in the shade it will tend to become a taller tree, with less dense foliage.
Podalyria calyptrata can easily be propagated from seed. Allow the seeds to soak briefly in warm water before planting them.
References
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Podalyria calyptrata. |