Erythrophysa transvaalensis

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Erythrophysa transvaalensis I.Verd.

Family: Sapindaceae

Common names: Transvaal red balloon (Eng.); Transvaalse rooiklapperbos (Afr.)

SA Tree No: 436.2

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Introduction

Erythrophysa transvaalensis is an exciting deciduous shrub or small tree, suitable for small gardens in frost-free areas.

Erythrophysa transvaalensis

Description

Erythrophysa transvaalensis grows up to 4 or 5 m in height with slender stems branching from ground level or just above the base. The bark is brown, smooth and shiny. The stems are slender and brittle.

Bark

The graceful leaves are compound, with about 7 pairs of leaflets and a terminal one. They are dark grey-green and crowded at the ends of the branches.

Leaves

The attractive flowers are produced in erect panicles before or with the new leaves. They are green, suffused with red. The flowers have four clawed petals and straight, protruding stamens. The fruit is a large, balloon-like structure, three-angled, with three chambers; each chamber contains 1 or 2 large, round, smooth black seeds.

Flowers

Fruit

Conservation Status

Status

Erythrophysa transvaalensis is listed as a protected tree by the Nature Conservation legislation of South Africa, but it is not listed on the red data list of threatened plants.

Distribution and habitat

Distribution description

This species has a limited distribution in South Africa occurring in Gauteng, Limpopo and the North West Province. It grows in a few places in western Gauteng, on the slope of a hill near the Bospoort Dam in the Rustenburg District, near Thabazimbi, and in the western Waterberg. It was first thought to be endemic to syenite hills (koppies ) in the Pilanesburg Nature Reserve, but it has been found since in a wider area (Balkwill 1994). I.C. Verdoorn (1942) described one of the original collections as coming from a norite koppie (near Bosport Dam). It also occurs in Limpopo in a few areas including near the Strydom tunnel on dolomite (Pieter Winter pers. comm.). It has also been collected in Zimbabwe.

Derivation of name and historical aspects

History

The genus name Erythrophysa is derived from the Greek word erythros, red, and physa meaning bag, and refers to the red, balloon-like fruits. The specific epithet transvaalensis is from the locality name Transvaal. Mr V.K Hands who was the engineer in charge of building Bospoort Dam, sent the first species to the Botanical Research Institute in 1933.

Ecology

Balkwill (1994) reported that more research needed to be done to establish what effects fire or soil minerals might have on the distribution of this tree. It is reported to have tuberous roots (Ernst van Jaarsveld pers. comm.). These might have a bearing on its ability to survive fire. It is also reported to occurs amongst boulders which might also protect it from veld fires.

Uses

Use

The seeds are reported to be used by African women to make beads. Although this tree has great potential as a garden plant, it is not widely grown at present.

Growing Erythrophysa transvaalensis

Grow

Erythrophysa transvaalensis could do well in a big pot and close to a swimming pool. It is easily grown from seed which usually germinate well. Sow the seed immediately on a well-drained soil mix in a seed tray. Cover the seed with a thin layer of fine bark or river sand. Water with a fine nozzle and place the seed tray in a warm position. The seed will take four to six weeks to germinate.

This tree can also be grown from cuttings if seeds prove problematic.

References

Balkwill, K. 1994. Further notes on Erythrophysa transvaalensis. Trees in South Africa 45: 41.
Coates Palgrave, K. 1977. Trees of southern Africa,edn 1. Struik, Cape Town.
Palmer, E. & Pitman, N. 1972. Trees of southern Africa, vol. 2. Balkema, Cape Town.
Van Wyk, A.E. (Braam) & Van Wyk, P. 1997. Field guide to trees of southern Africa. Struik, Cape Town.
Verdoorn, I.C. 1942. Erythrophysa transvaalensis. Flowering Plants of Africa 22: t. 857.

Credits

Giles Mbambezeli
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
April 2006
With additions by Yvonne Reynolds

Plant Attributes:

Plant Type: Shrub, Tree

SA Distribution: Gauteng, Limpopo, North West

Soil type: Sandy, Loam, Metal-rich

Flowering season: Early Summer

PH: Neutral

Flower colour: Red, Pink

Aspect: Full Sun

Gardening skill: Average

Special Features:

Good potplant

Useful plant

Erythrophysa transvaalensis