Parkinsonia africana
Parkinsonia africana Sond.
Parkinsonia africana, the green-hair tree, is a flowering plant in the Fabaceae family, native to southern Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and the Cape and Northern Provinces of South Africa. It grows 1–3m tall and has green bark that photosynthesizes when leaves are absent. The plant produces yellow flowers and yellow to brown pods. Its wood, which does not crack when heated, is used for making smoking pipes.
Description
Parkinsonia africana, described by Sond. in 1850, is a member of the genus Parkinsonia in the Fabaceae family. It is found in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. The plant is adapted to arid environments with its green, photosynthetic bark. It sheds its leaves and relies on its bark for photosynthesis. The species is known for its yellow flowers and yellow to brown seed pods. The wood is valued for its resistance to cracking when exposed to high temperatures and is used in the production of smoking pipes.
Distribution
Global · Angola · Botswana · Cape Provinces · Namibia · Northern Provinces
