Family LEGUMINOSAE
Genus Schotia
Species afra
SA Plant Number 201
Basionym Schotia afra

Schotia afra is a hardy, small, much branched, gnarled, evergreen small tree with characterful twisted, pale branches and a charcoal grey trunk. It has fine, feathery but leathery leaves with small leaflets.

The very showy, mainly red but sometimes pink flowers are borne from August to October and are full of nectar which attract both birds and insects to the garden. The seeds of this plant are edible.

Plant as a form or feature plant in a hot dry area. A great addition to a succulent or rock garden. It makes a wonderful container plant and bonsai subject.

Size 3 to 5m

Butterfly Host Plant: The larvae of Deudorix antalis (the Brown Playboy butterfly) feed on Schotia afra

Wildlife garden plant: The flowers attract both birds and insects to the garden.

Eastern Cape, Northern Cape

Natural Habitat Forested Ravines, Rocky Outcrops  

Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen, Hardiness - Frost: Frost Hardy, Plant Type: Tree - Small, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Sun - Full, Soil: Well-drained, Edible: Edible fruit, Garden Uses: Bird Friendly, Garden Uses: Bonsaai, Garden Uses: Butterfly Host, Garden Uses: Container Plant, Garden Uses: Rockeries and retaining walls, Garden Uses: Specimen, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Hardy, Flower colour: Red shades, Garden type: River-side and Stream-side Gardens, Garden type: Rocky outcrop and Koppie Gardens, Garden type: Succulent Garden, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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