Red Bushwillow
burkea africana
Also known as: ["African Redwood","Mopane Bushwillow"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to Southern and Eastern Africa, known for its reddish-brown bark and feathery foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Burkea |
| Botanical Name: | Burkea africana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a sheltered spot with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is extremely low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter. A mix of cactus soil and regular potting mix works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, especially in cooler months. In hot climates, provide some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade. Protect from harsh midday sun in arid regions. Outdoor placement is ideal, but ensure protection from extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant regularly for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid sudden light changes.
Watering
every 4–6 weeks during dry periods, allowing soil to dry completely between waterings
Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot; water early in the day to minimize fungal risk.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for fertility.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures, 20–30°C (68–86°F) during active growth. Tolerates mild frosts but thrives in subtropical to tropical conditions.
Protect from frost; provide shade in hot climates; maintain consistent temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
every 3 months during active growth with balanced, slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only when actively growing; use a balanced formula; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Wait for roots to form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light. Maintain temperatures around 24–27°C (75–80°F) and high humidity.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment can take several months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of branches to shape the plant and improve air circulation. Cut just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased wood. Pruning also helps manage size in containers.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; shape the plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture reaches the root zone. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 1–2 weeks during active growth in spring and summer; reduce frequency to once a month or less in winter when growth slows or halts. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or leaf drop in excessive heat; stunted growth or leaf damage in prolonged cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf drop or dieback. Prolonged cold may lead to root damage or death.
Solution: Protect from frost with frost cloth or move to a sheltered location. Mulch heavily to insulate roots. Avoid watering during cold spells.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or premature leaf drop, especially if combined with drought stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; mist foliage during extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute as directed; fertilize during growing season only; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring before active growth. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicBurkea africana is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known compounds that would cause toxicity in felines upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicBurkea africana is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases or studies indicating that ingestion of this plant causes adverse effects in canines.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicBurkea africana is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans under normal circumstances. The plant does not contain known toxic compounds that would cause adverse physiological impacts when ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Burkea africana suitable for indoor cultivation?
A: No, it is a large tree best suited for outdoor landscapes.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How drought-tolerant is Burkea africana?
A: It is highly drought-tolerant once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 4–6 weeks during dry p |
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