![]() ![]() Vegetative reproduction can occur through the formation of root suckers. This plant is a declared weed in the Kruger National Park. The lilac to pink colour of the flowers also falls in the UV spectrum range and may have an influence in attracting insects at night. In South Africa, these trees are common along streambanks and roads. The growth rate may exceed 1,5m per year. The tree grows best in open sunlight and soil type is not that important. Trees were introduced into South Africa as ornamental plants. This tree is native to Indomalaya and northern Australasia and has now been widely planted in Melbourne. There is a single Pistil (a unit of the Gynoecium, the female element of the flower, composed of the Ovary, Style and Stigma). The Filaments are united into a dark purple tube (photo 905). They are UV (Ultra Violet light) sensitive and help to attract night insects. In this photo, the 5 free Corolla strap-shaped Petals are light blue with clearly visible purple tipped lobes. The hairy calyx does not completely cover the corolla in the bud (photo 905). The Calyx has 5 Sepals that are dark green, united at the base and up to 3mm long. In photo 957 – under Tree, the start of the Petiole (leaf stalk) and the Peduncle (stalk of flower cluster holding the whole inflorescence) are visible – from left to right. The flowers are grouped in panicles (indeterminate, branched inflorescence with stalked flowers (photo 903). Flowers are vertically divisible into similar halves by more than one plane passing through the axis). The impressively sweet-scented lilac flowers are actinomorphic (Regular, symmetrical. In early spring, often before the first good rains, the Flowers appear on this monoecious (having both male and female reproductive organs on the same plant) tree (photo 904). A large leaf scar is also visible in photo 899. The young green (photo 957) then brown branches have clearly visible raised Lenticels (a usually raised corky oval or elongated area on the plant that allows the uncontrolled interchange of gases with the environment – photos 899 & 957). The initially green bark ages to brown, finally becomes very dark, longitudinally fissured (Photo 918) and tends not to flake off. This generally shallow rooted, deciduous Tree (feature image –from Delta Park) may reach 15m high and the crown may be nearly twice as wide. The plant is native to South-east Asia and Northern Australia.Ĭonservation Status: This rapidly growing plant is becoming a serious problem and is now considered invasive in South Africa. The Fruit is a capsule or a drupe and may be winged or have a pulpy covering. The superior Ovary has a simple Style, which ends in a disc-like, head-like or lobed Stigma. The 5 to many Stamens are free except at the base and the Anthers are attached in the middle. The 4 Petals are imbricate (having regularly arranged, overlapping edges). The Calyx has 4-5 sepals, which are free to near the base. The bisexual or unisexual Flowers are regular, axillary and in panicles (indeterminate, branched inflorescence with stalked flowers) or solitary. They occur in a large cluster or on short shoots. Most trees are evergreen and Leaves are large, simple or compound, lack stipules and are usually alternate. Those genera with trees include Ekebergia, Nymania, Khaya and Trichilia. ![]() In southern Africa, this Family has about 6 genera and 11 species. This tree is considered invasive in the South Africa. Perhaps the best-known local alien tree in this family is the seringa (The scientific name is Melia azedarach) with its poisonous yellow berries. This family of shrubs and small trees has 50+ genera and 570+ species. (Eng) Chinaberry tree, Pride of India, Bead-tree, Cape lilac, syringa berrytree, Persian lilac, Indian lilac, White cedar, Syringa tree.įamily: Meliaceae (Mahogany family). Previous names: Melia australis, Melia japonica, Melia sempervivens.Ĭommon names: (Afr) Seringboom. This attractive tree is considered Invasive and planting has been banned in South Africa. Bisexual 5-merous sweet scented lilac coloured Flowers are actinomorphic, have 10 stamens and a single pistil with a superior ovary. The bark becomes deeply fissured and dark. This shallow rooted, deciduous Tree is up to 15m high with a wider canopy. ![]()
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