Umzimbeet
Millettia grandis
Umsimbithi; Umsimbithwa (Zulu)
Millettia grandis belongs to the pea and
legume family Fabaceae
_blog.JPG)
Distribution and Habitat
Millettia grandis occurs along the coast from
eastern South Africa from north of East London in the Eastern Cape Province
into KwaZulu-Natal as far as southern Mozambique. Millettia grandis is
particularly abundant in the Pondoland area. Millettia grandis has been
planted occasionally outside this region, for instance in Mauritius.
Ecology
Millettia grandis occurs in coastal forest and open
lowland forest up to an altitude of 600 m. It can be found as a pioneer tree
along forest margins. Millettia grandis tolerates light frost. Millettia
grandis often occurs on sandy soils, but also on shale, where trees are often
gnarled. Millettia grandis grows best in deep rich sandy soils where ample
water is available. Where it occurs Millettia grandis is locally common.
Landscape value
Millettia grandis is a small to medium sized tree the
suits every garden whether exotic or indigenous, whether landscaped or natural
Millettia grandis has a compact crown which is
particularly suitable for planting in limited spaces like small urban gardens
it makes an attractive decorative shade tree with glossy dark green leaves,
grey bark, copper red coloured young leaves and flower buds, purple flowers and
velvety golden seedpods.
The attractive flowers which occur in from early
spring to summer are pea-shaped, mauve to purple and held in an upright
inflorescence on the ends of the branches. The seed pods split open 6-8 months
later when dry with a load bang to release the flat, oblong seeds.
Millettia grandis comes from a sub-tropical habitat
and if grown in drier areas it will need ample water for it to do its
best.
Despite its tremendous landscape value Millettia
grandis is only occasionally planted as an ornamental shade and street
tree this very beautiful and valuable local tree with sculptural and seasonal
interest for the garden is clearly undervalued and planted far too
infrequently.
Ecological importance
At least four species of butterfly larvae feed on the
leaves. Larvae of the butterfly Orange –barred Playboy Deudorix
diocles are commonly found in the pods. The larvae of Pondo Charaxes,
Charaxes pondoensis feed on the leaves. Termites sometimes utilize the flaked
bark on the stems.
Giant Carpenter Bee Xylocopa flavorufa
Bees and bumble bees collect nectar and pollen when the
tree is in flower
Commercial uses
The heartwood is dark brown and distinctly demarcated
from the yellowish sapwood. The grain is straight, fine textured and very heavy
and hard. The wood has an oily surface, it is very durable and resistant to
insect attack.
The wood is locally important for building poles, durable
furniture, walking sticks, knobkerries and Ugqoko traditional meat platters
Ugqoko traditional meat platter below
Millettia grandis has several features which gives it
tremendous agro-forestry potential for rural community development. It does not
compete vigorously with other crops and being a Legume, it enhances soil
fertility through its nitrogen fixing ability.
Propagation and Growing
Fresh seed is used for propagation, soaking in hot water
for one night improves germination. Young trees transplant well grow fairly
fast: 80–100 cm/year under favourable conditions.
Millettia grandis seedlings rows best in humus rich well
drained sandy soils.
.
.JPG)
Plant in a large hole and mix in a good amount of
compost, well rotted manure, and a balanced fertiliser. Mulch well and water
regularly, especially during the first year or two for optimum growth.
The Millettia grandis trees in my area are covered with
nearly ripe seed at the time of writing this article so take the opportunity to
obtain seed and grow your own this season.
