About Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh.
Piliostigma thonningii (Schumach.) Milne-Redh. grows faster than some competing tree species, and relies on rapid regrowth to survive bush fires. This species grows in African wooded grassland or woodland, and reaches 5–10 m (16–33 ft) in height. Its leaves are similar to those of bauhinia, but the species differs from bauhinia by producing separate male and female flowers on individual separate trees. The flower petals are white, while thick calyces and seed pods are covered in rust-colored hairs. Unlike the pods of many other trees, these pods do not split open. Instead, they fall from the branches, rot on the ground, and release their seeds. The inner bark of this tree has been used to make rope.
