Bushveld Indigenous Trees

Do you know where the term ‘bushveld’ comes from? The term ‘bushveld’ refers to the sub-tropical woodland eco-region of Southern Africa which is unique all across the globe. Tourists flock to our shores in droves every year. They come to enjoy our natural beauty and the majesty of the Southern African bushveld. Even we South Africans love our occasional excursion to any of our national parks like the Kruger, Addo or Pilansberg Game Reserve. When it comes to tree diversity, South Africa sports some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world.

Where else in the world (except Madagascar) will you see some of the oldest Baobabs in existence? This is probably one of Southern Africa’s most recognised trees. The Southern African Baobab or Adansonia digitata is a deciduous tree which can reach heights from 5 meters and up to 20 meters. Southern African Baobabs can grow to enormous sizes and can get up to 3000 years in age. In fact, one ancient hollow Baobab in Zimbabwe is so huge that over 40 people find shelter in its trunk. There is the Baobab’s age and then there is the Jackalberry’s length. The Jackalberry or African Ebony, as it is also called, is one of the tallest growing trees in Southern Africa, reaching an astonishing length of up to 24 meters and a trunk circumference of 5 meters, giving even the giant Sequoia a run for its money.

When it comes to toughness, nothing compares to the hardy Knob Thorn. This deciduous tree is fire and termite resistant and has some of the most resilient timber in the world. Although it serves no human benefits, the leaves and fruit are staple diets for a variety of Southern African fauna like giraffe, elephants and kudu. Monkeys and baboons can often be seen eating the flowers. The Knob Thorn is definitely one of the toughest trees in Southern Africa. And, if you happen to be in the bush, who can forget about the magnificent Marula tree? Cultivation of this deciduous tree stretches back for thousands of years. In fact, recent archaeological evidence have shown that Marulas have been cultivated for their delicious fruit as early as 10 000 BC. The Marula fruit is very juicy and has an extremely high vitamin content and is often used in the manufacture of alcoholic beverages.

To say that Southern Africa has a wide diversity in trees would be a gross understatement. We have some of the most beautiful, fascinating and oldest trees in the world. Apart from being beautiful and fascinating, Southern African trees are also part of a legacy we leave for our children. Here at Treetags we are passionate about that legacy and we completely understand the value it holds. Imagine taking your child to see the splendours of the Southern African bush but, instead of going to the bush, you go to a museum. Here at Treetags we never want to see such a scenario, so we strive to inform people about our beautiful natural legacy. It is unique and truly one of a kind. If we neglect or ignore this heritage, or if we are indifferent to it, it will disappear and we will never see its majesty again.