Bead-bean

Afrikaans name: Knoppiesboontjieboom

Bead-bean tree

Photo © Steven Herbert

Maerua angolensis

The Bead-bean tree is found at lower altitudes in the north-eastern regions of South Africa. It is also found extensively beyond South Africa's borders.

This tree can reach a height of 10 metres and normally found in wooded grasslands and thickets.

The bark of the Bead-bean is variable in colour ranging from gray to blackish. The leaves are hairless and shiny on the top side. Its flowers are unspectacular and consist of white to yellowish bunches of stamens. The flowers normally appear during winter to early summer. The seedpods are long and thin.

The trunk branches out into multiple stems

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 233

Whats that Tree? - Author: Eugene Moll - Published: 2011 - Page: 105

Trees & Shrubs of the Witwatersrand, Magaliesberg & Pilanesberg - Author: Joan van Gogh - Published: 1988 - Page: 28

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 108

Sappi Tree Spotting: Bushveld - 2nd edition - Author: R Grant and V Thomas - Published: 2005 - Page: 110

Pocket Guide - Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2013 - Page: 26

Piet van Wyks Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 1st edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 1988 - Page: 48

Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 5th edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2008 - Page: 48

Healing Trees & Plants of the Lowveld - Author: Dumes, Loon and Bester - Published: 2009 - Page: 45

Photographic Guide to Trees of Southern Africa - Author: B, P, and B-E van Wyk - Published: 2000 - Page: 198

For more info: SANBI

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