Schotia Brachypetala, Drunken Parrot Tree seeds

Botanical name: Schotia brachypetala

Common name: Drunken parrot tree

10 seeds – $8.00

Locally harvested in Queensland

Schotia brachypetala, Drunken Parrot Tree, is a small to medium sized leguminous tree from the Fabaceae family, however it doesn’t fix nitrogen. It is native to southern Africa, found in warm dry areas away from the coast. It can grow in warm temperate and subtropical climates.

The tree can grow to 10 – 20 metres tall, with a wide-spreading densely branched canopy that provides excellent shade. Leaves are compound and the flowers are a spectacular crimson colour with high nectar content, blooming in spring. Woody pods follow flowering and are up to 15cm long. The seeds are attached by a yellow aril and cling to the pod once it splits open.

The wood is termite resistant and used for furniture and flooring. The bark is used for tanning and gives a reddish brown dye. Seeds are roasted and eaten when green, or made into a coffee substitute.

Schotia brachypetala is a hardy tree, tolerating poor soil, drought and mild frost once established. It can withstand temperatures down to -5 C. The tree will grow quickly in good conditions, reaching 5 metres within a few years. It is briefly deciduous through cold winters.

Propagation and growing notes for Schotia brachypetala:

• Optimal germination happens between 18 – 22 degrees celsius soil temperature
• soaking overnight in warm water aids germination
• 2-4 weeks to germinate
• Keep seed bed moist but not water-logged
• tolerates a variety of soil types, from sandy to loamy, with moderate water requirements
• requires full sun for optimal growth once established
• matures and produces flowers in 3 – 4 years