This medium to large tree has a spreading, irregular canopy that presents a spectacular sight when in full, bright red autumn colours. Any gardener with a medium to large garden will welcome this as a pleasing addition to their garden. The tree is a handy source of water to people in periods of drought – they get the water from the thickened roots of the tree, where it stores the water. The fibre obtained from the bark, young shoots and roots is rather strong and can be used for weaving. Deciduous, medium to large tree with a rounded crown and showing beautiful autumn colours from April to May. The trunk is known to branch near the base. Smooth grey bark, often showing irregular patching. The pale green leaves are crowned at the end of the branchlets and changes colour from reddish to bright scarlet in autumn. The flowers appear from spring to summer in sprays of greenish white to greenish cream. The fruit is pale brown and appears in summer; the fruit capsule splits open, revealing 4 valves. Kirkia wilmsii can be found on granite and dolomitic soils in dry bushveld, preferring rocky places. It is endemic to Mpumalanga and Limpopo. It can tolerate mild frost, but generally prefers a warm climate. It needs a moderate amount of water, but if necessary can survive short periods of drought as it stores water in its roots.