Camel's foot tree (Piliostigma thonningii)

Product description

The camel's foot tree is named after its distinctive leaf shape that resembles the imprint of a camel's foot. This leaf shape makes it appear to be a Bauhinia species and the species was previously placed in that genus. However, the flowers are trumpet-shaped and do not resemble those of a Bauhinia. Today, therefore, the species is also classified in the genus Piliostigma.

The tree is widespread in tropical Africa and has many useful uses. Fibre can be made from the bark, while various parts of the tree are used for medicinal purposes and dyes. The leaves and fruits are also edible. The sweet pulp can be separated from the seeds and is edible. But since each fruit contains only a small amount of pulp, it is mainly eaten by children as a snack.

During the rainy season, the tree produces small but pretty white flowers that, after pollination, are followed by brown, velvety pods 3-7 cm in size. An interesting feature of these pods is that, unlike most legumes, they do not split open on the tree. Instead, the pods have to decompose naturally before the seeds are released.

The species grows in bush or forest areas, where it can grow up to 15 metres tall. However, with an ideal temperature of around 20°C, the species is also suitable as a houseplant. The plant can be pruned to maintain a more manageable size and possibly also grown as a bonsai tree. Provide a sunny position and well-drained soil.

Sowing description: Scarify seeds in 1 spot with sandpaper until a colour difference is visible. Then soak for 24 hours in water and sow in sowing mix. Keep soil constantly slightly moist and allow to germinate at 25-30degC. Germination usually within a few weeks, but can follow as long as the seeds are hard.