Some of these quiver trees are draped with the sociable weavers’ communal nests and can have up to 50 chambers in the tree that accommodate around 200 to 500 birds. The nectar also attracts several birds and insects to the site. If you happen to visit the Quiver tree Forest around winter, you will see them in bright yellow bloom. The quiver tree can survive up to 250 years, but only starts flowering when it is at least 20-30 years old. Quiver trees can survive extremely arid conditions and grow to reach heights of at least 7m. These disconnected branches drop off and the tree rejuvenates itself again in times of plenty.įurther drought-adaptations are a layer of light powder which covers the branches, helping to reflect the sun’s rays and keep the plant cool. In times of severe drought, the Quiver tree can seal off its extremities to prevent moisture loss through the leaves. This same soft fibre is what stores water in living trees. The trunks of dead quiver trees were also used as natural fridges to store water and meat because the fibrous tissue has a cooling effect as air passes through it. The tree received its peculiar name because of how the San people used to hollow out its tube-like branches to make quivers to stash their poisoned arrows during the hunt. The quiver tree grows in rocky areas of desert and semi-desert but is coming under increasing threat from climate change. Let’s find out some interesting facts about Namibia’s revered national monument. The quiver tree, also known as kokerboom in Afrikaans or choje in the San language, is Namibia’s national tree and a highly protected national monument. One of these gorgeous wonders is the quiver tree. These amazing trees add to the wonder of the things you can see in Namibia. Other Quiver Tree Forests Īlthough Aloe dichotoma is common in southern Africa, there are only a small number of natural quiver tree forests, most having been created by humans one of them is found in the Karoo National Botanical Garden of Worcester, South Africa.Namibia is alive with many amazing survival stories of life in the harsh landscapes of one of Africa’s lowest rainfall areas. The forest is home to rock hyraxes living amongst the rocks. Bright yellow flowers bloom from June to July, when a huge variety of insects, birds, and mammals are drawn to the abundant nectar. The Quiver Tree Forest holds tremendous ecological value within its native landscape. Near the forest, there is another tourist attraction, spectacular for its unique geology, the Giant's Playground, a vast pile of large dolerite rocks. Since diamonds have been found in Namibia, people say that if one of these trees is dug up, one will find diamonds where it has grown, but since these trees are blessed nobody wants to dig them up. This tree is associated with a long history of folklore, for instance that it will bring good luck to anybody that worships a tree and nurtures it. The quiver tree is also known for looking upside down because the "leaves" look somewhat similar to roots. The forest was declared a national monument of Namibia in 1995. The forest has grown spontaneously the tallest quiver trees are two to three centuries old. It comprises about 250 specimens of Aloidendron dichotomum, a species that is also locally known as the quiver tree ( Afrikaans: kokerboom) because the San people traditionally used its branches to make quivers. It is located about 14 km north-east of Keetmanshoop on the road to Koës, on the Gariganus farm. The Quiver Tree Forest ( Kokerboomwoud in Afrikaans) is a forest and tourist attraction of southern Namibia. Quiver tree forest Dolerite rocks and quiver trees
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