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Elephantorrhiza burkei

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Photo from Specks.

Author: George Bentham, 1846
Family:  FABACEAE
Origin:  Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe
Soil:  Mix - Grit
Water:  Medium
Sun:  Maximum
Thickness:  25 Centimetres
Height:  30-600 Centimetres
Flower:  Yellowish White
Propagate:  Seeds/Cuttings
Names:  Sumach Bean, Basboontjie
Synonyms:  Might be: Elephantorrhiza elephantina var. burkei, J.F. Macbr. 1919
By mistake by author; Elephantorrhiza burkii

This member of the Fabaceae family was given this name by George Bentham in 1846. It is found in Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa, growing in a well drained soil with some water and lots of sun. The caudex can grow to 25 centimetres while the stems vary from 30 centimetres to six metres, depending on the enjoyment. It preferring a well drained soil with some water and in a sunny spot. 

The genera name means 'elephant root'. The species is named after Joseph Burke, 1812-1873, an US-American collector of plants and animals for Lord Derby.


A plant from the wild by JMK, Wikimedia.org.