African schotia, Karoo boer-bean
Schotia afra

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or much branched small tree. It grows up to 6 m tall. It has several stout, thick, twisted stems. The leaves are usually dark green. The smooth grey twigs can be seen among the leaves. The leaves divide once. There is a pair of leaflets at the end and the leaflets tend to fold up along the midrib. The midrib is sometimes winged. There are 6-8 pairs of leaflets. They vary from 6-25 mm long. The flowers are red. They occur in bunches on short woody side twigs. The flowers have 5 petals. The pods are 5-13 cm long and 4 cm wide. They are hard and woody. There are several round brown seeds. They are edible.

There are 4-5 Schotia species. They are in southern Africa. Also as Caesalpinaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in coastal districts in South Africa. It grows in dry stony soils. It grows between sea level and 1,250 m above sea level. It is tolerant to drought and frost. It can grow in arid places. Brisbane Botanical Gardens. Hobart Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Britain, Europe, Namibia, North America, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The seeds are eaten raw or cooked. The outer bitter skin is removed. Sometimes the seed are ground into flour.

Edible parts

Pods, seeds

How it is grown

Trees can be grown from seed. The seeds germinate irregularly. Seedlings transplant easily.

Its other names

Local names

Karooboerboon, Umgonge, Umgxamu, Umngxam, Umquoqoba

Synonyms

Schotia speciosa Jacq.; Schotia tamarindifolia Afz. ex Sims; Schotia parvifolia Jacq.; Schotia angustifolia E. Meyer; Schotia venusta Mason;