The vibrant indigenous tree, Peltophorum africanum, known as the African Wattle, is a wildlife-friendly species that consistently attracts insects and animals. It offers refreshing shade during hot months with its large, acacia-like, feathery leaves. This semi-deciduous tree has a low branching habit and reveals its appealing branch structure in winter. The bark is smooth and grey when the tree is young, and it gets rougher as it grows older, but it doesn’t have any thorns.

From November to February, the tree blooms with bright yellow flowers at the branch ends, forming striking upright sprays. These flowers, with their crinkled petals, emit abundant pollen and nectar, attracting insects, bees, and butterflies. Following the flowering period, clusters of long, dark brown to black seedpods beautify the tree for much of the year.

With a fairly rapid growth rate of up to 1 meter annually under favourable conditions, the Weeping Wattle is resilient, enduring drought and cold, although young specimens may need protection from frost. Its root system varies in size depending on the tree’s dimensions. This versatile species thrives as an ornamental street tree, offering shade and colour in warm months while permitting sunlight penetration during colder periods. During summer, the spittle bug (Ptyelus grossus) is commonly found residing in this tree. The bugs’ secretions can create a sensation similar to rain, leading to the occasional nickname of “rain tree” for this particular species. Providing year-round interest, it aids in attracting birds and other wildlife to gardens.