Apple-leaf (Rain Tree)

Appelblaar · Philenoptera violacea

Also called the rain tree because water sometimes drips from it even in dry weather. Common on riverbanks and deep alluvial soils.

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How to identify it

Spreading tree with grey-green leaves and sprays of mauve to violet pea-shaped flowers in early summer. Often grows on its own or in pairs on deep alluvial soils near rivers.

Flowers & fruit

Spring to early summer (October to December)

Browsed by

Leaves browsed by elephant, giraffe, kudu and impala; it is also valuable fodder for game.

Where to see it in Kruger

On alluvial soils and riverbanks along the major rivers and drainage lines, scattered across the park.

Did you know

Sap-sucking spittle bugs living in the tree excrete near-pure water that drips to the ground, so the tree can seem to 'rain' even in dry weather.

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