Fuchsia-tree
StarSchotia brachypetala
Synonyms: Guillandinodes brachypetalum, Schotia semireducta, Schotia brachypetala var. pubescens, Schotia rogersii
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In southern African traditional medicine, preparations of the bark, and sometimes the roots and leaves, of Schotia brachypetala are widely used. Decoctions and infusions of the bark and roots are taken to treat diarrhoea, and the bark is included in mixtures as a tonic; the astringent action is attributed to its high tannin content. Bark infusions are also taken as an emetic and to treat heartburn and nervous conditions, pulverised leaves are applied as a dressing to ulcers and swellings, and the smoke of burnt leaves is inhaled to stop nosebleeds (Schmelzer & Gurib-Fakim, PROTA; van Wyk, van Oudtshoorn & Gericke, Medicinal Plants of South Africa).
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Botanical Description
Schotia brachypetala, the weeping boer-bean (also huilboerboon, fuchsia tree or African walnut), is a medium-sized to large deciduous or semi-deciduous tree of the legume family (Fabaceae, subfamily Detarioideae), native to southern Africa, occurring in eastern Botswana, Zimbabwe, southern Mozambique, eastern South Africa and Eswatini. It has a dense, spreading, rounded crown and bears pinnately compound leaves with several pairs of glossy, leathery leaflets that emerge coppery-red and mature to dark green. In spring, before or with the new leaves, it produces dense, showy clusters of deep crimson-red flowers with reduced petals and abundant nectar, which drips ('weeps') from the blooms and attracts birds, bees and insects. The fruit is a hard, woody, flattened pod that splits to release large seeds, each with a yellow aril. It grows in woodland, on riverbanks, termite mounds and rocky hillsides in warm, frost-free regions.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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