Millettia grandis

Millettia grandis

Quantity:

Common Names

Umzimbeet (afrikaans)
Umzimbeet (english)
Umsimbithi (zulu)
Umsimbithi (xhosa)

Taxonomy

Family LEGUMINOSAE
Genus Millettia
Species grandis
SA Plant Number 534
Basionym Millettia grandis

Description

Milletia grandis is a hardy, decorative, medium sized, briefly deciduous tree that has a dense spreading crown.

The new growth of the large leaves is a beautiful bronze colour when they first unfurl in spring and then turn almost lime green, darkening with age.

It has large, magnificent, erect spikes of purple pea-like flowers that stand out well above the leaves from November to March – a sight to behold.

These are followed by attractive, large velvety, brown pods - another striking feature of this beautiful tree. It is reasonably fast growing and makes an excellent garden subject planted in sun or semi-shade.

Use as a single specimen or make an outstanding avenue of these gorgeous trees.

It has many medicinal and magical uses.

Size 10 to 25m

Wildlife

Butterflies:
Host plant to the Orange Barred Playboy butterfly

Uses

Distribution

KwaZulu Natal, Eastern Cape

Biome:
Forest

Natural Habitat:

Coastal forests and forest margins.

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