Velvet Seed Tree
Majidea Zangueberica
Velvet Seed Tree
Majidea Zangueberica
Majidea zangueberica, commonly called the mgambo tree, black pearl tree, or velvet seed tree, is a small ornamental member of the Sapindaceae family.
It is native to East Africa and typically grows to about 5m tall. It forms a neat rounded canopy with shiny, compound leaves bearing up to ten pairs of elliptic leaflets.
The tree is grown mainly for its fruit, which are small three-lobed capsules. They split open to reveal a vivid red interior that holds three velvety blue-black seeds. These seeds give the species its “black pearl” reputation. Clusters of small green-red, lightly fragrant flowers appear at the ends of panicles.
Majidea zangueberica thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil, and once established it is notably drought tolerant.
Although it has no known edible or medicinal uses, its eye-catching seeds are widely used in artisan jewelry, and the dried pods are popular in floral arrangements and decorative potpourri.
Order: Sapindales
Family: Sapindaceae
Genus: Majidea
Species: M. zanguebarica
Binomial name: Majidea zanguebarica
Majidea Zangueberica
Majidea zangueberica, commonly called the mgambo tree, black pearl tree, or velvet seed tree, is a small ornamental member of the Sapindaceae family.
It is native to East Africa and typically grows to about 5m tall. It forms a neat rounded canopy with shiny, compound leaves bearing up to ten pairs of elliptic leaflets.
The tree is grown mainly for its fruit, which are small three-lobed capsules. They split open to reveal a vivid red interior that holds three velvety blue-black seeds. These seeds give the species its “black pearl” reputation. Clusters of small green-red, lightly fragrant flowers appear at the ends of panicles.
Majidea zangueberica thrives in full sun and rich, well-drained soil, and once established it is notably drought tolerant.
Although it has no known edible or medicinal uses, its eye-catching seeds are widely used in artisan jewelry, and the dried pods are popular in floral arrangements and decorative potpourri.
Order: Sapindales
Family: Sapindaceae
Genus: Majidea
Species: M. zanguebarica
Binomial name: Majidea zanguebarica
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