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Weeping Wattle
Afrikaans name: Huilboom
Photo © Steven Herbert
Peltophorum africanum
The Weeping Wattle is a smallish tree that rarely reaches a height of 10 metres.
During summer it gets clusters of yellow flowers.
Seedpods develop and are usually ripe around February.
The name Weeping Wattle arises from a liquid that drips from the trees. Interestingly this liquid is not from the tree itself. It comes from Cuckoo-spit Insects which feed on the sap of the Weeping Wattle.
The wood of the Weeping Wattle is used to make furniture and ornaments.
References and further reading
A site-by-site guide to trees in the Kruger National Park - Author: Marissa Greeff - Year Published: 2017 - Page: 58Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - Author: Piet van Wyk - Year Published: 2008 - Page: 89
Pocket Guide - Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Piet van Wyk - Year Published: 2013 - Page: 50
Sappi Tree Spotting: Lowveld - Author: Jacana - Year Published: 1997 - Page: 62