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Tour
the Lowveld NBG
Legumes (Fabaceae)
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 The
legumes are divided into three families, Mimosaceae, Caesalpiniaceae
and Papilionaceae. Most of the legumes, with a few notable
exceptions, have pods in the true sense of the word. There
are numerous legumes scattered all over the Lowveld Garden,
trees and shrubs that were there long before the Garden was
established. Most of them are components of the Sour Lowveld
Bushveld and many of them have truly magnificent flowers.
This marvellous fever tree, Acacia xanthophloea, that
stands near the Cascades Café, is a well-known landmark
in this Garden.
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Acacia gerrardii is an unusual
study in contrasts, with dark, rugged, almost shaggy
bark and masses of creamy globular inflorescences. (Mimosaceae)
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The nectar-laden cups of Schotia brachypetala,
weeping boer-bean, invite birds and insects to partake
of their delicious offering. (Caesalpiniaceae)
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Common coral tree, Erythrina lysistemon, has
"lucky-bean" pods. (Papilionaceae)
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The name African wattle is a serious misnomer, if
not a downright insult, to Peltophorum africanum,
which has splendid yellow inflorescences and is not
a pest plant. (Caesalpiniaceae)
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Pride-of-de-Kaap, Bauhinia galpinii, was named
in honour of Ernest Galpin, a bank manager who collected
plants in Barberton in the early 20th century. (Caesalpiniaceae)
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Clouds of tiny yellow "sweetpeas" adorn
Pterocarpus rotundifolius after the first good
rains of summer that resemble true pods only in the
early stages of development. This tree is the source
of a much sought-after timber. (Papilionaceae)
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