Sterculia murex

Sterculia murex Hemsl. or lowveld chestnut is a southern African tree in the family Malvaceae, and the subfamily Sterculioideae. It has a very limited distribution in the lowveld of eastern Mpumalanga. After S. alexandri it is the most southern representative of the genus in Africa. Kew currently recognises some 92 species of Sterculia, confined to the tropics and slightly beyond at low elevations.

Description

A handsome leafy tree. It is 6-12 m tall. It has wide spreading branches. There are 1-2 stems which are up to 30 cm across. The bark is thick, ribbed and grey-brown. The leaves are on long hairy stalks. They are alternate and have 5-10 stalkless leaflets. These radiate like fingers on a hand. They are oblong but narrow to both ends. They are usually 10 cm long by 5 cm wide. They are velvety on both sides. The flowers are in sprays at the ends of branches. These can be 10 cm long. Flowers are waxy and yellow. The sepals look like petals. The flowers are saucer-shaped and 2-2.5 cm across. The fruit are made up of carpels each 9-20 cm long by 7-13 cm wide. They can be singly or in groups of 2-5. They split along the upper surface to form boat shaped structures. These have spines over them. The openings are fringed with irritating hairs. The seeds are large and can be 2.5 cm long. They are black and rich in oil. They are edible.

Edible Uses

The seeds are eaten raw and can be pressed for oil.

Traditional Uses

The seeds are eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Known Hazards

The shell contains large oval seeds, resting in a bed of stinging hairs that can be irritating on contact with the skin or eyes.

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant. Plants are sensitive to frost. They grow in rocky locations. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Where It Grows

Africa, Australia, Eswatini, Slovenia, South Africa*, Southern Africa, Swaziland,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seeds. Seeds grow easily but slowly.

Propagation

Seed - germinates readily if sown fresh. For better germination, the seed should be placed on top of the soil. The roots are formed first and the leaves only appear above the soil or the growing medium after a few months. A physical dormancy caused by the hard seed coat of the mature seeds of many species in this genus can be overcome by scarifying the seed. This is carried out by cutting away or abrading some of the seed coat to allow the ingress of water, though great care must be taken not to damage the embryo. The aril surrounding the seed should also be removed - this is easiest when it has been softened through soaking in water. The seeds germinate optimally at temperatures between 20 - 30°c. They can be sown in a nursery seedbed or in containers. A germination rate of about 95%, occurring within about 2 weeks can be expected if the seed has been properly treated.

Other Uses

The open fruit shell makes an unusual ash-tray, it is not easily charred by lighted cigarettes. The wood is soft and of little use.

Production

Young trees are fast growing.

Other Information

They are popular.

Notes

Also put in the family Sterculiaceae.

Nutrition

Also Known As

Gebeleweni, Umbhaba

References (13)

• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1372
• http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants
• Joffe, P., 2007, Creative Gardening with Indigenous Plants. A South African Guide. Briza. p 113
• Long, C., 2005, Swaziland's Flora - siSwati names and Uses http://www.sntc.org.sz/flora/
• Morley, B. & Everard, B., 1970, Wild Flowers of the World. Ebury press. Plate 57

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