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Description
Virgilia Oroboides, commonly known as the keurboom, is a deciduous tree native to South Africa. The tree belongs to the Fabaceae family and can grow up to 10 meters tall with a spread of up to 7 meters. The keurboom is a popular tree in South Africa due to its beautiful flowers and its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Virgilia |
Appearance
The keurboom has a rounded crown and a slender, grey trunk. The leaves are compound and can grow up to 20 cm long with 5-12 pairs of leaflets. The tree produces beautiful pea-shaped flowers that are usually pink or purple, but can also be white. The flowers bloom in spring and attract a variety of pollinators, including birds and bees. The keurboom produces a pod that is approximately 10 cm long and contains up to 6 seeds.
Care Guide
The keurboom is a hardy tree that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. However, it prefers well-drained soil and full sun. The tree should be watered regularly during the growing season and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in spring. The keurboom can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The keurboom is not typically affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly-drained soil.
Habitat
The keurboom is native to South Africa and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and woodlands. The tree is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my keurboom?
A: The keurboom should be watered regularly during the growing season, approximately once a week.
Q: What is the best fertilizer for a keurboom?
A: A balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, can be used to fertilize a keurboom in spring.
Q: Can the keurboom be grown in a container?
A: While the keurboom can be grown in a container, it prefers to be planted in the ground where it can spread its roots.
Q: How long does it take for a keurboom to bloom?
A: The keurboom typically blooms in its third or fourth year of growth.
Related Plants
- Virgilia divaricata
- Virgilia capensis
- Virgilia oroboides
- Virgilia glaberrima
References
- “Virgilia oroboides.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 2005, http://pza.sanbi.org/virgilia-oroboides.
- “Virgilia oroboides.” The Plant List, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden, 2013, http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/ild-6761.
- “Virgilia oroboides (keurboom).” Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, https://www.sanbi.org/plant-of-the-week/virgilia-oroboides-keurboom/.
