kurkbos, ertjieboom, olifantshout, visboontjie, visgif, mangaanbos
Mundulea sericea is a graceful, virgately-branched shrub or small tree, 0.5 – 7.5 meters tall, usually single-stemmed with a bushy crown. The bark is pale, corky, and deeply furrowed, contrasting with the delicate silver-grey to light green, silky leaves. It produces masses of large, pea-like, mauve to purple flowers in spring and early summer, followed by long, velvety, golden-brown pods that persist through winter. The species is widespread in southern Africa, found in grassland, savanna, wooded hillsides, and rocky ridges.
Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant is a larval host for some butterfly species and provides nectar and pollen for insects. The corky bark protects the plant from fire and frost. Dense growth offers shelter for small animals and helps stabilize soil in grassland and rocky habitats.
Mauve to purple, pea-like flowers in spring and early summer; pollinated by insects. Long, velvety, golden-brown pods contain seeds dispersed by gravity and animals.
Indirectly supports insectivorous birds by attracting pollinators and providing shelter.
Sow fresh seeds in spring; scarification improves germination.
Not commonly used; seed propagation preferred.
Bark and roots used in traditional medicine; wood used for small implements.
Leaves browsed by livestock and wild herbivores.
Contains rotenone in bark; caution advised.
Useful for soil stabilization, erosion control, and supporting pollinator and invertebrate diversity in grassland restoration.
