Calpurnia aurea subsp. aurea flowers and pods

The flowers and some emerging green pods of Calpurnia aurea subsp. aurea seen here grow from stem-tips or leaf axils. Aurea means golden (Latin), referring to the flower colour.

The large cup-shaped flower calyx is worth noting, as is the uneven growth of the pod where the spaced seeds inside are beginning to dilate. Flowers and fruits may be found on the trees at any time depending on rain.

Many insects, including carpenter bees pollinate this tree. The flowers and pods are eaten by dassies, the Cape hyrax, where they can reach them.

The large geographical distribution of the plant is reflected in diverse medicinal uses to which parts of the plant have been put by indigenous populations in South Africa and as far afield as Nigeria and Ethiopia (Coates Palgrave, 2002; www.plantzafrica.com).