About Majidea zanguebarica J.Kirk
Majidea zanguebarica J.Kirk is a very ornamental small tree with shiny foliage and an attractive rounded canopy. This growth habit makes it well suited for small tropical gardens, or as a container plant in cooler climates. It is only hardy in frost-free zones; when grown in containers, it stays smaller, so it can be grown as a rare and unique houseplant in areas that experience frost. Its leaves are compound, with up to 10 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are elliptic, measuring roughly 5–7 centimetres (2.0–2.8 in) long and 2–3 cm (0.79–1.18 in) wide. Because its seeds are highly ornamental, this species is sometimes called the black pearl tree or velvet-seed tree. It produces dense clusters of small, fragrant green-red flowers at the end of panicles. Its fruit is three-lobed, spherical, and 3 cm (1.2 in) long. The fruit splits open to reveal a bright red interior, which holds three spherical, velvety blue-black seeds. The seeds of Majidea zanguebarica J.Kirk are often used to make artisan jewelry. Dried pods from the tree are used in flower arrangements, bouquet composition, and decorative potpourri.
