Family LEGUMINOSAE
Genus Peltophorum
Species africanum
SA Plant Number 215
Basionym Peltophorum africanum

Peltophorum africanum is a hardy, deciduous, drought-resistant, small- to medium-sized tree with brown, rough, longitudinally fissured bark. 

The lovely fine, feathery leaves resemble those of Acacia species but the tree is thornless. The leaf and flower buds are brown and hairy, adding to the beauty of this tree.

From October to May it blooms profusely with large, spikes of golden-yellow, crinkly flowers that are held well above the leaves and persist on the tree for weeks. Not only are the flowers a spectacle to behold but their nectar also attracts many insects and birds to the garden.

The tree is also the host plant of many butterfly species and cattle and game browse on it. The African Wattle is used medicinally.

Its rounded shape makes a good shade tree in the smaller garden. It has beautiful architecture when leafless. An excellent garden subject for semi-shade or sunny areas.

Size: 4 to 8m

Butterfly host plant: Larvae of the following butterflies feed on the leaves of the African Wattle: Van Son's charaxes (Charaxes vansonii), Satyr Charaxes (Charaxes ethalion) and Braine's Charaxes (Charaxes brainei)

Limpopo, North West Province, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu Natal

Natural Habitat Along rivers and streams, Associated with Termite Mounds, Grassland, Woodland  

Growth Rate: Fast Growing, Evergreen or Deciduous: Deciduous , Hardiness - Frost: Fairly Hardy, Hardiness - Frost: Protect when young, Plant Type: Tree - Medium, Position: Semi-shade, Position: Sun - Full, Soil: Well-drained, Garden Uses: Avenue Plant, Garden Uses: Bird Friendly, Garden Uses: Butterfly Host, Garden Uses: Local to Gauteng, Garden Uses: Shade, Garden Uses: Specimen, Hardiness - Drought: Drought Hardy, Flower colour: Yellow shades, Garden type: Grassland Garden, Garden type: River-side and Stream-side Gardens, Garden type: Wildlife Garden,

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