Simaroubaceae - Tree-of-heaven family
SA Tree no 267
. It is also common in the deep, sandy soils around Punda Maria, and usually grows north of the Sabie River.
This tree is usually found growing in groups on the northern side of rocky slopes and in deep, sandy soils. It has a tall, straight, single trunk and has a light green, fine-leaved and feathery-looking, spreading canopy. The bark is light grey and smooth when young, becoming flaky in older trees. It is a medium to large tree, 6 - 20 m, with sparse density. It occurs in various types of woodland at medium to low altitude. Branches are marked with leaf scars/
Links with animals - Game dig up the roots in time of drought.
Human uses - Water-laden roots may be used as a source of drinking water. The wood is used for furniture and to make household goods such as bowls.
Gardening - This is a very attractive tree, especially in autumn and spring when the leaves are very colourful. It will grow well in well-drained soils such as rocky outcrops. It is sensitive to frost, but is drought-resistant. It can be grown from seeds or cuttings, and is fairly fast-growing when watered.
Leaves - Compound, spiral with a single leaflet at the tip, elliptic, with a finely toothed margin. The leaves are spirally arranged at the ends of branches. They are sticky when young and make a brilliant autumn colour show. Apex narrowly tapering; base asymmetric; petiolules usually absent, petiole 30 - 100 mm long. (Leaf: 400 mm; 6 - 8 pairs of leaflets with a terminal leaflet: 60 x 20 mm)
Flowers - Sprays of inconspicuous, greenish-cream flowers appear on the ends of branches with the new leaves, in October and November. (Sprays: 70 - 200 mm)
Fruit - Thin, small, woody capsules burst open into four valves, and ripen from January onwards, and may stay on the tree until the following flowering season, January to September. (15 x 50 mm)
Best places to see the White Seringa in Southern Africa:
The White Seringa is found in the Kruger National Park in the Lebombo Mountain Bushveld, Olifants Rugged Veld Mopane Scrubveld, Sandveld & Mopane / Bushwillow Woodlands ecozones.
 Tree species of Southern Africa >> Printable Tree List <<
South African Trees >> Printable Tree List <<
The Plant Kingdom (Plantae)
Wildlife - Fauna & Flora of Southern Africa
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