Schotia brachypetala Drunken Parrot Tree 20 seeds

A wide spreading tree or large shrub has pinnate leaves which are flushed pink when they first appear in spring, becoming pale green later.

Rich deep red flowers are produced in masses, in dense branched heads on the old wood during spring, this produce’s lot of sweet sugary nectar that ferments in the heat of the sun that can produce alcohol hence the name Drunk Parrot Tree.

Can be variable in habit depending on the conditions, in poor soils or dry condition it tends to be smaller, about 5 metres

Originates from South Africa.

Prefers a light to medium well-drained soil in a protected sunny position, drought and frost tender.

Propagation is by seed or truncheon cuttings. Schotia brachypetala grows easily from seed, which should be sown in Spring to early Summer, in a well drained general purpose potting soil, placed in a warm but shaded spot and kept moist. Soaking the seed overnight in warm (not hot) water assists even germination and dusting the seed prior to sowing with a fungicide that combats pre-emergence damping off will increase the percentage germination.