Schotia brachypetala

Cultivation Details

A plant of drier areas in the tropics and subtropics. It is somewhat tolerant of frost, young plants require protection, but a well-established older tree in a protected spot, should be able to withstand a minimum of down to around -5°c^{[2, 1]}. Prefers a position in full sun^[3]. Young trees perform best when they have been planted in deep sandy soils with plenty of well-decomposed compost added^[1]. Established trees are drought resistant^[1]. The tree usually grows slowly, especially when on heavier soils, but when planted on deep sandy soils it may grow quite rapidly. A planted tree reached a height of 12 metres 17 years after being planted as a cutting^[1]. Nectar is often so abundant that it drips from the flowers, which are visited by sunbirds, but also by insects such as bees, and by monkeys^{[2, 1]}. Fruits ripen about 6 months after flowering. The seeds are probably mainly dispersed by birds attracted by the yellow arils^[1]. Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen^[4].