Stately Presences

STATELY PRESENCES

Merwe van Wyk Quiver trees

Aloidendron dichotomum

In Nieuwoudtville, in the arid Northern Cape, on the farm Gannabos in the Hantam Karoo, stands the largest population of quiver trees in the world, covering an area of 300 hectares. It is also the western-most

population of quiver trees in Africa. Unusually for this species, they thrive in this mainly winter rainfall area, with an average rainfall of just 150 mm per year. The topography is mainly slate and has produced very beautiful rock formations. A tough, bone-dry part of the world – but quiver trees are survivors. They have wide, very shallow root systems, evolved to absorb the slightest moisture in the soil.

Tough though they are, the drought of the past several years has had a huge effect on the trees. Hungry baboons also contribute to the damage, seeking the sap hidden in the trees’ crowns. Quiver trees have been useful to people too, from the earliest days. Long ago, they were used to keep food cool. First, the fragile stem was hollowed out; water poured into the space was absorbed by the plant fibres, which then provided a cooling effect as the moisture slowly evaporated.

These unique and rare trees grow very old; the tallest and oldest in the forest are imposing presences at night, standing black against the Milky Way – something that has caught the eye of many photographers over the years.

The conservation of these special trees is very close to our hearts. They’re special. Walking between their stately figures, you experience a feeling of great power, and understand how small you really are in the universe. It is so important for us to preserve this area and handle these old trees with care – so our descendants can also experience that ancient power.

‘Every crag and gnarled tree and lonely valley has its own strange and graceful legend attached to it.’ – Douglas Hyde

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