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Mundulea sericea

Family: Papilionoideae – Leguminosae (Pea subfamily – Pod-bearing family)

Common names: Cork Bush (E); umHlalantethe (Z); Kurkbos (A);

Native to: Southern Africa
Shrub, Tree
An attractive small tree or shrub bearing beautiful mauve flowers.

Mundulea sericea

DECIDUOUS

FULL SUN

FROST HARDY

MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS

SLOW GROWER

MEDIUM GROWER

ATTRACTS BIRDS

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWER COLOUR:

AVERAGE SIZE:

3m x 2m
FLOWERING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D
FRUITING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Mundulea sericea

DESCRIPTION

An attractive shrub or small tree which has a light grey, corky bark. The flower stalks are covered with silky hairs. The compound leaves are pale green. It bears clusters of mauve, pea-shaped flowers. The fruit is a small light green pod which is covered with golden-brown velvety hairs. It becomes grey with age, the splits on the tree in a twisted shape to release the seeds.

WILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
The cork bush provides a home to a host of insects and you may on occasion spot tiny spiders feasting on insects which live on it to keep their population under control.
WATER REQUIREMENTS
Water moderately.
MAINTENANCE
Low maintenance. Allow it to form a natural shape.
LANDSCAPING USES
An attractive ornamental suitable for a small garden. It also makes an excellent container and bonsai plant. A useful addition to the wildlife garden as the flowers are rich in nectar which attracts insects, birds and butterflies.
GARDEN THEMES
Bushveld, Country, Formal, Grassland, Rockery, Woodland
FLOWERS
FOLIAGE
BARK
FRUIT
PESTS & DISEASES
Rarely attacked by pests.

9 responses

  1. Hi Hannah

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Mundulea sericea is a small tree/shrub with a non-aggressive root system. It is advisable to plant it at least 2m from any structure which will also allow room for it to branch out naturally.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  2. I received this beautiful tree as a gift. We have a new garden. Any advice as to where to plant it? I have been struggling to find information about its root system. Can it be planted (1-2m) away from a boundary wall?
    Any advice will be most welcome.

    Hannah

  3. Hi Ian

    Try the Botanical Garden nursery otherwise you nearest indigenous nursery may be able to help.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  5. Hi Alick

    It grows quite fast from seed and I don’t know how successful a cutting would be.

    In general, there is a low success rate when growing most trees from a slip, but you can try and let me know the result.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  7. Hi Gerda

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    It sounds like you may have a fungus infection which is usually caused from over-watering.

    Check your plant’s conditions and adjust them for 4-6 weeks, checking for any changes.

    If the condition still persists, take a sample cutting to your nearest nursery to ask for advice.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  8. I noticed fine, tiny black spots underneath my Mundelea’s leaves. Is it an insect like an aphid, or a fungus? When rubbed it comes off black on your fingers. What should i do to treat the trees?
    Gerda White
    0794954165

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