Geelkeurboom, Geelkeur, Natalse Geelkeur
umKhiphampethu, inSiphane-enkulu, umHlahlambedu, umLalandlovana
inDloli, umSitshana
Small deciduous tree or large shrub with spreading crown.
Leaves pinnate with 7 – 13 leaflets, bright green.
Flowers bright yellow, pea-shaped, in racemes during spring and summer.
Fruits are flat pods.
Important for nitrogen fixation and wildlife.
Insects: Flowers attract bees, especially the large megachilds and carpenter bees, butterflies, and other nectar-feeding insects.
Wildlife: Pods eaten by birds and mammals. Predatory insects, such as mantids, and other insectivorous animals, like chameleons, feed on insects attracted to the flowers.
Provides shelter.
Soils: Fixes nitrogen.
Bright yellow flowers attract larger pollinators, such as the larger megachilid bees and carpenter bees that are heavy enough to push the keel of the flower down to be able to get to the nectaries.
Pods are eaten by animals, which disperse the seeds.
Nectar source for sunbirds. Shelter and food for frugivorous birds.
Allow pods to mature on the tree. When brown, collect pods just before they open. Remove seeds from the pods and store them dry.
Scarify seeds before sowing. High rates of germination can be expected.
Semi-hardwood cuttings root moderately well. Use hardwood rooting hormone to increase rooting rates.
Traditional medicinal use: Used for skin ailments and respiratory problems
Uses: Wood used for fuel and for making tools.
