Sophora cassioides

Spanish Common Names

Pelu
Pellú
Kollim (in Mapudungun)

English Common Names

Description

Sophora cassioides, commonly called Pelu, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree in the legume family, typically reaching 4 to 10 meters in height. It has elegant, pinnate leaves made up of many small, oval leaflets — giving the foliage a delicate, feathery appearance. In spring and early summer, it produces bright yellow, pea-like flowers in loose, drooping clusters. These are followed by slender, segmented seed pods that mature in late summer. Pelu is native to the humid forests of southern Chile and is often found growing along streams and in the understory of temperate rainforests. Its flowers are a valuable source of nectar for native pollinators.