Tree of the Week: September 17th, 2024
At ArborNote, we have been learning about the trees of Africa, and this week it’s the Quiver Tree (Aloidendron dichotomum). It is known as the Quiver Tree because the San people (or bushmen) of Africa practice hollowing out the tubular branches of the tree to form quivers for their arrows. It has a very small natural range in South Africa and Namibia and a slow growth rate, so they are not very commonly found in other areas and are officially endangered. It has smooth branches, which are covered with a thin layer of whitish powder that helps to reflect away the hot sun’s rays. It does such a good job of reflecting the heat that the trunks of dead trees can be hollowed out and used as a natural fridge, with water, meat and vegetables stored inside it!
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