Virgilia (genus)
From Freepedia
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Virgilia divaricata |
Virgilia is a genus of Southern African trees in the family Fabaceae, having shiny to hairy pinnate leaves and attractive mauve to pink pea-shaped flowers followed by leathery pods. They are valued as useful ornamental trees by gardeners, particularly the well-known species Virgilia divaricata ('Tree in a Hurry', 'Cape Lilac', 'Blossom Tree') and Virgilia capensis syn. V.oroboides ('Pink Blossom Tree'), despite having a limited life (15 years). They prefer well drained soils; some species will then grow 2 m in the first season. They will tolerate wind and have dense foliage growing close to the ground, so they are useful as pioneer species for privacy and wind protection. The common name in South Africa (in Afrikaans) is keurboom, meaning 'the pick of all trees'.
