Sterculia murex

Sterculia murex

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Common Names

Lowveld Star-Chestnut (english)Laeveldsesterkastaiing (afrikaans)

Taxonomy

Family STERCULIACEAE
Genus Sterculia
Species murex
SA Plant Number 475
Basionym Sterculia murex

Description

Sterculia murex is a fairly hardy, drought resistant, mostly deciduous tree with a spreading growth form and thick ribbed grey-brown bark. 

The unusual, large palmate leaves are velvety on both sides. Waxy yellow flowers shaped like shallow cups, are borne in great bunches in spring before the leaves appear. 

These are followed by spectacular large, woody fruit covered in blunt spines, which, if fully formed, can reach a diameter of 30cm. Empty halves of the fruit make interesting ornaments. 

 Makes a fantastic specimen tree for a prime spot in the garden. Plant in sun or shade in well-drained soil. The oily nuts are much sought after by game.

Size 6 to 8m

Seeds

Lifestyle Seeds may have stock of Sterculia murex seeds.

Distribution

Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga

Natural Habitat Rocky, wooded hills

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