Parkinsonia africana explained

Parkinsonia africana, the green-hair tree, is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to southern Angola, Botswana, and Namibia, and the Cape Provinces and Northern Provinces of South Africa.[1] It is a bush growing 1–3m tall with green bark that allows for photosynthesis when the leaves are shed. It produces yellow flowers and yellow to brown pods. The wood does not crack when hot and is used to make smoking pipes.[2]

Distribution and habitat

P. africana is widespread in Namibia and South Africa and likely also occurs in Botswana, though it has not yet been recorded there. Within South Africa it is known from the Northern Cape and North West provinces. It grows in desert or semi-desert habitats, and is often found on sandy plains near waterways.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Parkinsonia africana Sond. . . . 8 October 2023.
  2. Book: It is Time to Identify Selected Plants and Animals of the Namib . Ehrenbold . Samuel . Keding . Viktoria . Namib Desert Environment Education Trust (NaDEET) . 2nd . 2015 . 10.
  3. Web site: von Staden . L. . 2017 . Parkinsonia africana Sond. National Assessment . Red List of South African Plants . . 12 July 2024.