Beautiful kapok tree not just hard work
There more to the lushness of the pink kapok tree
MBOMBELA – The Brazilian Floss silk tree, also called Brazilian kapok tree creates a sea of pink during March and April.
During this time you find these trees in full bloom everywhere in the lowveld area of Mpumalanga.
For most people, although beautiful and spectacular on the eye, is means hard work to keep the mess of falling flowers under control.
But for a family in the Watervalsriver Valley near Burgersfort, this tree has a much more important meaning: It makes for the richest, creamiest honey ever tasted!
Franz and Duberette Labuschagne has quite a few trees around their house on the banks of the Spekboom river.
Frans Labuschagne says: “The Kapok trees are half-hardy, needs water and protection while young, but after about five years it just grows and grows. The pink flowers creates an absolute joy for me and the bees! I checked the beehives this morning. It still needs time to mature. I will be able to take the honeycombs out in three to six weeks time.”
Its hard work to keep the garden neat around this messy tree, but it’s worth the effort, Frans added.
