The Keurboom, known as the “Chosen tree,” is a fast-growing evergreen native to South Africa’s Knysna and Plettenberg Bay areas. It grows about 1.3 meters per year, reaching a height of around 10 meters fairly quickly.

This tree has a round crown with horizontal branches and fern-like leaves grouped into 5 to 9 leaflets. Young trees have smooth, silver-grey bark that darkens with age. From spring to summer, the Keurboom blooms with plentiful pea-shaped flowers in shades of mauve to violet-pink, carrying a delicate scent. These blooms give way to velvety, brown seed pods.

This adaptable tree grows best in sunny spots with well-drained soil. It provides shade and makes a good screen against wind. Once established, it can tolerate frost. The Keurboom is valued for its beauty, attracting birds and insects with its lovely flowers.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Keurboom enriches soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, making it ideal for starting new gardens. It’s also tough against pests and diseases, needing little upkeep.

While its lifespan typically ranges from 12 to 20 years, the Keurboom is ideal for landscaping projects, quickly offering essential shade within a few years, functioning as a windbreak, or creating a natural screen.