Family Lythraceae
It occurs in low to medium altitudes in woodland and thickets from Zululand and Swaziland to Mpumalanga and Limpopo. This plant is an important fodder plant on cattle and game farms. The bunches of white flowers attract many insect species.
Galpinia transvaalica grows up to 6 m in height and is a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. The stems are often crooked and the branches lie low. The bark is smooth and pale when young, but has a rough appearance and cracks into blocks when the tree is older.
The leaves are simple, opposite and have a glossy, dark to
almost black appearance. They are 20-60 x 15-30 mm in size. The leaf apex is
rounded and often notched; the margin is entire and noticeably wavy and the
petioles are thick and thickset. Young leaves are coppery to reddish. The tree
is very attractive in spring when the old leaves turn red before dropping and
the coloured new leaves emerge. In late spring the tree may show a few red
leaves hidden amongst the shiny new green foliage.
The flowers are white, up to 13 mm in diameter and borne in
dense sprays at the end of branches. The bisexual floral parts occur in fives
or sixes. The calyx is bell-shaped and divides into ovate lobes. The petals are
crinkly, the ovary 2-chambered and the stamens are attached to the calyx tube.
Flowers are present from November to May.
The fruit is a small, round capsule and 3-4 mm wide.
It forms compact clusters that are reddish brown to black and is covered with a
hard rind, which splits open to release winged seeds. Fruit appear from April
to July
The hard wood is heavy, pale brown to yellowish brown. Antelope, elephant and giraffe browse the leaves. It is an important fodder plant on cattle and game farms. The flowers also attract flies and butterflies and this in turn attracts many insect-eating birds.
Uses and cultural aspects
This tree has good horticultural potential and is quite attractive as a hedge plant. It has a non-aggressive root system and can be planted close to walls and paved areas. The wild pride-of- India can be successfully planted in containers and makes excellent bonsai specimens.
This tree has good horticultural potential and is quite attractive as a hedge plant. It has a non-aggressive root system and can be planted close to walls and paved areas. The wild pride-of- India can be successfully planted in containers and makes excellent bonsai specimens.
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