Southern Chinese Hats

Scientific Name: Karomia speciosa

POWO Status: Shrub or Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 53.96″ N, 64° 49′ 51.11″ W

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Observations:

Phenological Markers – Southern Chinese Hats Tree (Karomia speciosa)

Common Names: Chinese Hats Tree, Purple Chinese Hats
Scientific Name: Karomia speciosa
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Native Range: Southeastern Africa (Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa)
Habitat: Dry woodland and savanna; adaptable to urban and ornamental landscapes

General Description:

Karomia speciosa is a deciduous or semi-evergreen flowering tree prized for its stunning purple-blue, bell-shaped flowers with conspicuous, hat-like calyces. It has a graceful branching habit, broad leaves, and a showy crown that attracts bees and butterflies. Though rare in cultivation, it is gaining attention in tropical and subtropical gardens for its unique appearance and drought tolerance. The tree can grow to 20–30 feet tall, with a rounded or spreading canopy.

Phenological Markers:

1. Leaf Growth and Senescence:

  • New Leaf Emergence: Spring (March – April)
  • Leaf Maturity: Late spring (May – June)
  • Leaf Senescence: Fall (October – December); may lose leaves earlier under drought stress
  • Leaf Characteristics: Broad, rough-textured, ovate leaves with visible veins; may feel sandpapery to the touch

2. Flowering Period:

  • First Sign of Budding: Late spring (April – May)
  • Peak Bloom: Summer (June – August)
  • End of Flowering: Early fall (September)
  • Flower Characteristics: Purple to bluish-lavender bell-shaped flowers with large, papery calyces shaped like little hats or parasols; flowers emerge in clusters at branch ends

3. Fruit Production:

  • First Sign of Fruit Development: Late summer (August)
  • Fruit Maturity: Fall (September – October)
  • End of Fruiting: Early winter (November)
  • Fruit Characteristics: Papery calyx persists around the seed; capsules form inside, releasing small dry seeds

4. Dormancy Period:

  • Dormancy Begins: Winter dry season (December – February)
  • Dormancy Ends: Spring rains (March)
  • Dormancy Characteristics: May drop leaves and cease flowering; stems remain bare during rest period

Ecological Notes:

  • Pollinators: Bees and butterflies are attracted to the bright flowers
  • Wildlife Interaction: Not heavily browsed; seeds dispersed passively
  • Soil Preferences: Well-drained soils, tolerant of rocky or sandy ground
  • Growth Habit: Upright to spreading canopy; typically grows 20–30 feet tall; naturally forms a single trunk

Observational Guidelines:

  • Best Time for Observation: May through October for active leafing, flowering, and fruiting
  • Key Phenology Events to Record:
    • Onset of leaf flush
    • Appearance of purple flower buds and calyxes
    • Transition from flower to fruit (observe persistent hat-like calyces)
    • Leaf yellowing and drop before dormancy
  • Photography Suggestions:
    • Capture calyces before and after petal drop
    • Track crown shape, branch spread, and seasonal color changes

ArbNet Qualification Notes:

Karomia speciosa qualifies as a tree species under ArbNet accreditation standards when:
– Ground-planted and allowed to reach full size
– Exhibits trunked, woody growth
– Used for educational, ornamental, or conservation display
– Tagged and tracked as part of a managed collection

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