Weeping Wattle

Afrikaans name: Huilboom

Leaves and seedpods of the Weeping Wattle

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.

Bark of the Weeping Wattle

Photo © Steven Herbert

The wood of the Weeping Wattle is used to make furniture and ornaments.

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References and further reading

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Author: E. Palmer - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 156

A site-by-site guide to trees in the Kruger National Park - Author: Marissa Greeff - Year Published: 2017 - Page: 58

Common Trees of the Highveld - Author: Drummond & Coates Palgrave - Year Published: 1973 - Page: 44

Everyone's Guide to Trees of South Africa - Author: Keith, Paul and Meg Coates Palgrave - Year Published: 1989 - Page: 39

Field 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

Sasol First Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Elsa Pooley - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 41

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Year Published: 1994 - Page: 156

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Year Published: 2002 - Page: 345

What Tree is That? - Author: Hazel Stokes - Year Published: 1967 - Page: 3