Common Name:

General Information

Schotia latifolia is an evergreen shrub growing no more than 3 metres tall where the habitat is dry and scrubby, but becoming a tree up to 15 metres tall in areas with more rainfall[, ]. In open areas the crown is rounded in shape, but the tree becomes taller and more slender in the forest[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of wood and tannins. It is occasionally planted as an ornamental and has been used in bonsai[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - south Mozambique, S. Africa.

Habitat

Forests and forest margins, scrub and bushveld[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Birds, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

Roasted seeds are eaten[, ]. Traditionally, the pods are picked green and then roasted. The seeds would have effectively been steamed inside the pods before being removed and eaten[].

Medicinal

Bark decoctions are taken to treat stomach-ache[].
The bark of Schotia latifolia is commonly used in South Africa to treat tick-borne diseases of livestock[].

Other Uses

The bark has been used as a dye producing a greenish colour, and for tanning[, ].

The tough, whitish wood is used for fence posts[, ].

Propagation

Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[]. Sow the treated seeds in seed trays in a semi-shaded position. Germination should take place within a few weeks. Prick the seedlings out into individual containers once they have reached the two-leaf stage, being very careful not to damage the sensitive tap-root. Keep in semi-shade initially and then gradually harden them off. Ensure that the young plants never dry out completely[].

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