Karoo Boer-bean

Schotia afra

The Karoo Boer-bean is a small evergreen tree, growing to maximum 5m in height, that occurs in the drier parts of South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape Provinces and is most commonly found on the banks of small, usually dry, streams. It is a terrific addition to water-wise gardens and its attractive nectar-rich flowers, borne during the summer months, attract birds and insects in numbers. The seeds are edible and, roasted and ground, was used as a meal in olden days.