Fabaceae FAMILY

Virgilia oroboides

Edibility

0/5

Medicinal

0/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Virgilia oroboides is a small, evergreen tree with a sparse crown that is usually narrow but can be spreading, especially with age; it usually grows from 5 - 15 metres tall, occasionally reaching 20 metres. The main stem can be single or branched, in larger trees it can be clear of branches for 5 - 8 metres, and is usually around 50cm in diameter but ranging from 20 - 90cm[ 1621 Title A revision of the genus Virgilia (Fabaceae) Publication S. Afr. J. Bot. 1986, 52: 347-353 Author B.-E. van Wyk Publisher Year 1986 ISBN Description ]. The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a source of wood and starch. It makes an excellent pioneer species for reforestation and establishing woodland gardens, and is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its floral display and attractive form[ 295 Title PlantZAfrica.com Publication Author Website http://www.plantzafrica.com Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants. ].

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeSouthern Africa - S. Africa (southern Cape Province)

HabitatMoist sites near the coast[ 1621 Title A revision of the genus Virgilia (Fabaceae) Publication S. Afr. J. Bot. 1986, 52: 347-353 Author B.-E. van Wyk Publisher Year 1986 ISBN Description ]. Forest margins, most often beside streams or on river banks but also on hillsides and thickets; at elevations up to 1,200 metres[ 295 Title PlantZAfrica.com Publication Author Website http://www.plantzafrica.com Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants. ].