![]() ![]() 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. You can watch them feed the resident cheetahs.Namibia is alive with many amazing survival stories of life in the harsh landscapes of one of Africa’s lowest rainfall areas. ![]() Oh, and they have animals - farm, domestic and even tamed wild animals. Bed, breakfast and dinner is available if you’re staying at the guest houses or bungalows but if you’re camping you must self-cater. There is no restaurant so you eat home cooked meals. As long as you’re pretty self sufficient and don’t expect much luxury, you’ll be happy. Look out for ground squirrel, dassies, mongoose. Want to see the forest at night, then stay. ![]() So, if you liked geology at school and you like looking at how crazy rocks have made Planet Earth look, you’ll be chuffed here. We’re talking about 170 million years ago. They were actually caused by the erosion of sedimentary rock a while back. To be frank, they’re a geological phenomenon. They’ve been variously described as “giants playing with Lego” or a “giant toddler playing Jenga”. Whilst you’re on the farm you can also explore the dolerite rock formations of the Giants Playground. No one knows quite how old the forest is and botanists can’t agree, but it’s thought the large 5 metre trees could be 200 years old. Local bushmen used to cut off them off, hollow out the spongy tissue and use them as containers for their poisonous arrows. The green succulent leaves are full of it and so are the branches. Which makes it surprising that a plant can survive and thrive. And most of the time it’s bone dry and devastatingly hot. It is one of the most interesting and characteristic plants that grows in this hot, dry southern region of the country. Look at the shape, size, colour of the leaves. The forest’s a natural one, no tree was planted, and it’s made up of aloe plants. And they run the camp and accommodate passing tourists who have come for the day to visit the forest and and Giant’s playground. They farm full time with Dorper sheep, Brahman and Bonsmara cattle. The farm was bought in 1990 and the owner built the rest camp up from scratch. ![]()
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