Sophora cassioides

Sophora cassioides, commonly known as pelú or pilo, is an evergreen tree endemic to central and southern Chile. It is especially associated with humid valleys, riverbanks and forest margins, where it often grows in partial shade. Reaching around 10 metres in height, it develops elegant pinnate foliage and abundant bright yellow flowers, followed by distinctive winged seed pods. Its combination of ornamental value, hard wood and tolerance of cool, wet conditions makes it a characteristic species of Chile’s temperate forests.

• Common name: Pelú, Pilo, Pilo-pilo, Mayu-monte
• Hardiness: approximately -5 to -8 °C.
• Maximum height: approximately 10 m
• Flowers / fruit: Yes – bright yellow flowers followed by elongated, winged legume pods containing the seeds.
• Type: Tree · Broadleaf · Evergreen.
• Soil: prefers deep, moist but well-drained soil with good organic-matter content, generally neutral to acidic. It naturally occurs in humid sites and along rivers and lagoons.

Picture of flowers by Penarc – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2776500