- Location: southern part of Namibia, neighborhood of Kittmannshup
Mysterious Africa is unique and amazing! Here predators coexist with humans, and nature is beautiful as anywhere else. If you decide to visit Namibia , plan a visit to the Forest of Quiver trees - a pretty interesting place.
Unusual forest
The forest of quiver trees is called the territory of a private farm, where on the stony desert grows about 250 scarlet dichotoma (quiver trees). Aloe of this species is found in the northern part of South Africa and parts of southern Namibia. Territorially it is approximately 14th km between the city of Kittanshup and the small village of Koes.
Unusual appearance of plants has turned this area into a very popular tourist attraction . After all, the quiver tree is called a "tree" only because of the dimensions (7-9 m in height). The plant of aloe dichotoma has a very strong stem, which eventually grows to a diameter of 1 m. Its crown is the numerous branches of the processes. Hence the name: the word dichotoma is literally translated as "branched".
Each branch has a spiral of juicy and very dense leaves, like all the familiar aloes and look. In contrast to a very rough and scaly trunk, all the branches are very smooth and have a thin whitish coating, reflecting the glare of the sun. The most beautiful forest of quiver trees is considered from June to August, when Namibia comes in a calendar winter, the heat somewhat fades and many plants blossom. Aloe dichotoma blooms in a beautiful yellow color, attracting many birds and tourists.
The value of quiver trees
The importance of these plants for Africa is difficult to overestimate:
- Practical use. This species of aloe became known as quiver due to the fact that indigenous people from these smooth branches made quivers for arrows. In fact, in the quiver tree there is no wood, but fleshy flesh is used for various purposes. The end of the empty stalk is expertly closed with a patch of finished leather - and the quiver for the arrows is ready. In addition, aloe fibers have a ubiquitous cooling effect, therefore quiver cavities by aborigines are also used to store water and products, including today. Thus, locals have the ability to store perishable foods a little longer. By the way, some "trees" are about 300 years old.
- Fauna. The forest of quiver trees also has a significant ecological significance: insects and birds fly to the abundant nectar of large flowers, and animals also come. On the trees nest whole flocks of birds-weavers: their huge nests are located among close branches and protect the brood from the heat. In an abundance live here and damans - ancient small relatives of elephants.
It is worth remembering that the forest of quiver trees is currently suffering from global warming. The reduction in precipitation and the gradual increase in average temperatures affect the growth and abundance of the aloe dichotoma. The plant resists somewhat, gradually spreading to great heights and high latitudes, but this phenomenon is temporary. Everywhere in South Africa, the quiver tree is protected by law, and the forest of quiver trees is recognized as a national monument of Namibia.
How to get to the forest of quiver trees?
Before the city of Kithmanskhup you can easily fly by plane. Further in the direction of the village of Coes can be reached by local bus or a ride. If you use hired or leased vehicles , follow the road C17. With a forest of quiver trees is bordered by a tourist camping , where you can comfortably settle.