![]() In case any doubt emerged about the interpretation of the data collected by Foden and her colleagues, her team resurrected photographs taken of quiver trees during the previous century. The quiver tree appears to be dying out in its northern range in Namibia and thriving down south in areas such as Nieuwoudtville in South Africa. The only way for a plant to shift its range is to become extinct at one extreme of its range while seedlings begin to propagate successfully at the other extreme. When we talk about plants shifting their range, bear in mind that they are not like animals which can simply uproot and physically move. But, as the desert moves south, so are the trees. Until now, the quiver tree's southern range has probably been limited near Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape by higher rainfall and fungus. The trees also appear to be 'moving' southward as their bioclimatic envelope shifts south. They are retreating to higher altitudes, on cooler mountain slopes, while the low-lying trees are dying. Just as environmental scientists have been predicting, these trees are showing signs of taking refuge in envelopes of comfortable habitat. They may be used for educational/informational purposes only, provided that this article/online journal is appropriately cited first.©Jacques MaraisQuiver trees in Niewoudtville, Northern Cape. (might only be available in cached version)Īll of the images provided were taken by me.Some, in the past, have used the branches for arrows (hence the name Quiver Tree) ![]() Many birds, insects, monkeys, and other organisms use the nectar from the flowers as food. When dead, some hollow out the trunks to store food or other perishable items as the bark has a natural cooling effect inside. Namibia (a southwestern African country) named the Quiver Tree its national plant due to its prominence in the country. Leaf structure: succulent, thick, blue-green, narrow, toothed, to 30 centimeters (12 inches) long, to 5 centimeters (2 inches) wide, arranged in rosettes on older plants but vertical rows in juvenilesįlowering structure: bright, round yellow flowers on erect racemes of 3-5, each to 30 centimeters (12 inches) tallįlowering frequency: June/August (“winter” in the southern hemisphere)īark: smooth with gold/brown, sharp scales, coated in a white powdery substance, not real wood (instead more fibrous, soft tissues used) Watering requirement: low, somewhat drought tolerance, allow to entirely dry out between waterings Soil requirements: requires light/sandy, very well-drained soilsĪir requirements: survives in warm, dry regions ![]() Poorly drained soils can lead to, sometimes fatal, root rot. ![]() Although some are performing well in cooler (typically higher altitude) regions, their ability to escape the intensifying heat can only go so far. Problems (major): In southern Africa, rising temperatures and increased droughts due to climate change are killing off many of these trees. Root System: superficial, shallow and extensive root system, previously used for Tuberculosis and Asthama (effectiveness questionable, do not consume without advisement from a certified professional) Growth Rate: slow, to 20 centimeters (8 inches) annually Height: to 7 meters (23 feet) tall, rarely to 9 meters (30 feet)ĭiameter: trunk to 1 meter (3 feet), canopy to around 3 meters (10 feet) in diameter Hardiness Zones: 11-12, survives to 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit) The succulent leaves grow as terminal rosettes on mature trees.Īloe dichotoma (Quiver Tree, Kokerboom, Garas) [Aloe montana, A. Native to South Africa, this species of Aloe grows to heights of small trees (frequently to 5 meters, or 16 feet, tall).
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