An attractive shade tree called Umzimbeet

Millettia grandis (Umzimbeet) This is an attractive shade tree, which can also be grown as a specimen tree, to display its grey bark, coppery red young leaves and flower buds, lilac to purple flowers, and golden pods, which “pop” when they are ripe, showering the surrounding areas with seeds and making a distinctive “popping” sound. The attractive flowers, which occur in summer, are pea-shaped, mauve to purple and held in an upright inflorescence on the ends of the branches. They emerge from velvety, rusty-brown buds, which are formed in spring. Children are fascinated by them and the buck love to eat the seeds which are very high in protein. One often sees the Impala scrabbling for the seeds on the 18th fairway, Course 2. I have had great success propagating Umzimbeet in our nursery: encourage your kids to try it at home. Umzimbeet are usually grown from fresh seed which may be placed in hot water to soak overnight (Seed can be collected off the ground throughout our courses and on the estate). Fresh seed germinates very well. One should plant seedlings into nursery bags at the two-leaf stage. Young trees will transplant easily and they are fast growing (0.8 to 1 m per year) in favourable conditions. This tree likes ample water and can withstand several degrees of frost, particularly when older. It makes a very shapely, attractive specimen with seasonal interest for the garden.