Tree Wisteria – 10 Seeds

Tree Wisteria (Bolusanthus speciosus) is a small deciduous tree, which can grow up to 7 m. It has brownish grey, fissured rough bark and also drooping branches. Leaves, which are spirally arranged, are suspended from drooping branches. The tree is normally multi-stemmed, but it can be pruned to form a single stem. When the tree has little leaves, it begins to bloom, with lilac blue fragrant pea-like flowers hanging from the branches in bunches, often covering the whole tree. Later it produces seed pods, each containing 3-8 smooth, yellow colored seeds. It is a protected tree in South Africa. The tree can be grown in a container. The tree can withstand moderate frost and is drought tolerant.

Common names: tree wisteria; Vanwykshout (Afr.); mogaba (Northern Sotho); umHolo (Zulu).

Growing Tree Wisteria

Indoor Sowing: Late Winter and Spring.

Direct Sowing: Late Winter and Spring.

• Scarify the seed by gently nicking or rubbing the seed coat with sandpaper. Place the seeds in hot water and soak overnight.
• Sow the seeds 5cm apart in containers filled with river sand or a well draining seed starting-mix.
• Since the seeds need some light to germinate, do not cover them or barely cover them lightly with a layer of fine sand.
• Place the seed tray in a warm, brightly lit location, with indirect sunlight.
• Ensure good ventilation to prevent mold.
• Optimal germination temperature of between 20-25°.
• Seedlings can be transplanted after the second leaf has emerged.
• Transplant into a soil mixture of equal parts river sand, loam and compost.