Ceasalpiniaceae - Flamboyant family
SA Tree no 208.2
The Pride-of-De Kaap prefers areas of higher rainfall or moist conditions, found usually in hot areas, in various types of woodland and thicket.
The abundance of brick-red, bell-shaped flowers along granite water-courses, is one of the Mpumalanga Lowveld's summer features. Bean-shaped brown pods are characteristic. This is a vigorous multi-stemmed climber, covering trees and bushes. The leaves are butterfly shaped.
Links with animals - The larvae of two butterflies of the genus Deudorix; the brown playboy and the orange barred playboy, feed on the tree.
Human uses - Pride-of-De Kaap branches are used to make baskets.
Gardening - This tree species is becoming increasingly popular as a hardy garden plant, as the seeds germinate well and the plants are drought resistant, and tolerate poor soil. The Pride-of-De Kaap is extremely beautiful when in full flower.
Leaves - Simple, alternate and deeply lobed to form a butterfly-shaped leaf. Leaves and leaf margins are smooth, and are bright pale green. The veins are slightly yellow in colour and stand out. (70 x 70 mm) The apex is deeply notched; base lobed; margin entire; petiolate.
Flowers - the conspicuous, bright, salman-red to brick-red, bell shaped flowers are borne in profusion, in large sprays. The five petals are paddle-shaped and have wavy edges. Pride-of-De Kaap bloom from November to February. (50 - 70 mm) The flowers are in large, branched sprays up to 200 mm in diameter, clustered near the ends of the branchlets.
Pods - The long, flat. bean-shaped, dark brown pods are pointed, slender, hard and woody, Pods split on the tree when ripe, from March to July. (80 - 100 mm)
Best places to see the Pride-of-De Kaap in Southern Africa:
The Pride-of-De Kaap is found in the Kruger National Park in the Pretoriuskop Sourveld, Riverine Communities & Sandveld ecozones.
 Tree species of Southern Africa >> Printable Tree List <<
South African Trees >> Printable Tree List <<
The Plant Kingdom (Plantae)
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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