The weeping boer-bean (aka tree fuchsia or African walnut) is a medium-sized semi-deciduous tree with rough grey or brown bark that is often found along river banks, streams or on old termite mounds. In frost-free areas it tends to be evergreen.
The weeping boer-bean flowers from August to November and the flowers are deep red, occurring in densely branched heads on the old wood. Weeping boer-beans do not all flower simultaneously, which extends the feeding season for nectar feeding birds.
The weeping boer-bean attracts birds, animals and insects, which makes them a hive of activity when in flower. Nectar-feeding birds, particularly sunbirds, bees and insects feed on the nectar. Insect-eating birds feed on the insects attracted by the flowers. Starlings, monkeys and baboons eat the flowers, and monkeys eat the seeds. The leaves are browsed by game and black rhino eat the bark.
The parasitic spittle bug sucks up the sap which it then excretes as froth that collects and drips down the branches. Although the spittle bug also parasites other trees, its behavior probably contributed to the 'weeping' description given to the tree.
The weeping boer-bean more likely gets it 'weeping' description because its flowers produce copious amounts of nectar that over-flow and drip. The 'boer-bean' (farmer's bean) part of the name is common amongst all the Schotias, because of their edible seeds. The Schotia genus is named after Richard van der Schot who visited South Africa in the 18th century. The name 'Brachypetala' is from the Greek meaning ‘having short petals’ because they are partly, often completely reduced to filaments.
A decoction of the bark is used to treat heartburn and hangovers. Bark and root mixtures are used to treat heart conditions and diarrhea. The seeds are high in carbohydrate although low in fat and protein, and are edible after roasting. Both the Bantu-speaking people and the early European settlers learned from the Khoikhoi to roast the mature pods and eat the seeds.
The bark is used for dyeing, giving a red-brown color. The heartwood is dark brown to almost black, strong, hard and heavy. It is termite resistant and is used for making furniture, floorboards, ornaments and as firewood. It is an excellent wagon wood and was in demand for wagon beams.
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