Sparrmannia africana African linden

Sparrmannia africana in front of Cummings Art Building. John Rawlings, 20 Mar 2003

A tall evergreen shrub with tropical appearance and multiple canes of insubstantial wood that begins flowering by late January. The flowers, almost 2 inches across, have five white petals around a yellow center. The light green leaves vary in size up to a hand span across and in shape have a variable number of lobes, up to seven. The edge has blunt serrations and the base is cordate. Not noticeably furry to the eye, the leaves nevertheless have a distinctly velvety feel. The floral center has a trigger mechanism for actively pressing pollen onto visiting insects.

Two specimens used to be to the right of the steps leading up to Cummings Art Building from Lasuen Mall.

Sparrmannia africana flowers, flowerbuds, and leaves, in front of Cummings Art Building. John Rawlings, 20 Mar 2003

Sparrmannia africana leaves, flowers, flowerbuds, and leaf, in front of Cummings Art Building. John Rawlings, 20 Mar 2003