Common Name: Black pearl tree, Velvet seed tree
Black pearl tree is native to Africa and grows to a height of about 5 meters. It is often seen planted in parks and open areas in Coimbatore. The tree has a cement-colored smooth bark and forms a small round canopy. The leaves are compound and paripinnate. The leaves and leaflets are arranged in an alternate manner. The leaf stalk and leaf measure around 3 mm and 6.5 cm respectively (some leaves measure only 3.2 cm). The leaflet is elliptic in shape; base slightly oblique and tip acute. The inflorescence is in the form of an axillary panicle. The flowers are greenish in color; three to four very small red petals are seen. The flower stalks and flower length measure around 1 cm and 1.5 cm respectively. The fruit is in the form of a 3 valve capsule. The capsule is green in color and turns brown when mature. The capsule interior is bright red in color. The capsule encloses 1-3 seeds which are round in shape. The seeds are dark black in color and clothed with smooth silky white hairs (hence the name Velvet seed tree). Black pear tree is used as an ornamental tree in India. The tree can be planted in open areas and home gardens.
