Schotia Brachypetala African Tree 5 Seeds, Rich Deep Red Flowers Attracts Butterflies

Schotia Brachypetala

This is a handsome, medium to large tree that comes straight from South Africa with a wide-spreading, densely branched, rounded crown. It has a single trunk that sometimes branches low down. Trees can reach a height of 22 m, but most commonly grow 11 to 16 m with a spread of 10 to 15 m. The bark is rough and brown or grey brown. The foliage is reddish to coppery when young, turning bright green and maturing to a glossy dark green. In warm frost-free areas this tree is evergreen, but in colder regions it is deciduous, losing its leaves for a short period in winter to spring.

The flowers are rich deep red, and are produced in masses, in dense branched heads on the old wood during spring (Aug.-Nov.). The flowering time is somewhat irregular in that a tree in bloom may be a few meters away from one that has no sign of flowers. This irregularity is of value to the nectar feeding birds, and ensures a longer feeding season. An abundance of nectar drips from these gorgeous flowers that attracts all kinds Butterflies, bees, & birds.

It is half-hardy to frost, and as with all young plants they require protection, but a well-established tree in a protected spot, should be able to withstand a winter minimum of down to -5C (23F). Seeds are edible to humans.

This offer is for 5 seeds.