Page 28 -

(19,5210(17$/ )($785(

‘MAKING THE MOST OF

INDIGENOUS TREES’

BOOK REVIEW

By Fanie & Julye-Ann Venter
7(;7 $1' 3+2726 Main Photographer, Pitta Joffe
%< &$52/ .12// Published by Briza Publications
Third Revised Edition
Entries for 22 more tree species with clear detailed
photographs, true to colour, for ease of identification are
included in this third edition, bringing the number of trees up
to 166. Botanical names have been updated. The first edition
was published by Briza Publications in 1996 and subsequently
this detailed, highly informative book has been used
extensively by tree lovers throughout the country, including
nurserymen who have taken to propagating many more of
South Africa’s indigenous species; and landscape architects,
designers, contractors, municipal parks departments, farmers,
conservationists and homeowners who have used the trees
in landscapes and gardens. The book was based on a series
in ‘Farmer’s Weekly’ and its publication was prompted by
hundreds of readers.

Prior to leaving the country, the Venters had an indigenous plant nursery outside Polokwane
and Fanie took guided tours into the bushveld, helping to instil a love of South Africa’s trees
into many people, including the writer of this article. He had observed many fascinating,
ecologically related aspects of trees in their natural habitat (and in landscaped areas) and
passed his field observations onto those who were fortunate enough to accompany him.

his tree guide has been written to be There are notes on propagation from seed, tree guide. For example, Buffalo-thorns can
user-friendly for the lay person and cuttings and truncheons at the start of the form an impenetrable hedge for ten years
Tbotanical terms have been kept to book. A user-friendly table at the end of before the crowns are too high to serve as
an absolute minimum. The alphabetical the book gives a quick reference to which an effective barrier. Birds will nest in Vachellia
listing in the book is, however, by means animals (faunal species) utilise each tree, (previously Acacia) erioloba (Camel-thorn)
of the scientific names as the authors whereas more details on which part of the from an early stage, while the pods provide
wish to encourage people to learn tree is utilised by which insects, birds and highly nutritious fodder on farms in dry
these. Botanical names are the only mammals can be found in the two-page woodland areas. Pterocarpus angolensis
way to be certain that identification spreads describing and illustrating each (Kiaat) ranks as one of the finest furniture
is accurate. Common names for the tree. For example, the naturally widespread woods in the world. Kiaat plantations have
tree are often numerous and can vary Zizyphus mucronata (Buffalo-thorn) is been successful in Mozambique. It is a
according to regions where the species host to the larvae of four butterfly species Protected tree in South Africa. One of the
are locally indigenous, causing confusion, which feed on the leaves, while beekeepers most widely used garden trees for its rapid
although the tree’s most commonly used consider it a useful source of nectar. It is a growth and aesthetic appeal is Vachellia
name remains as the heading for each valuable fodder tree for various game species (previously Acacia) xanthophloea (Fever Tree).
description. The Afrikaans names are (names mentioned) that relish the nutritious Birds favour the tree as a nesting site and its
sometimes more descriptive than the leaves and fruit. natural habitats are low-lying swampy areas,
English names, for example the delightful margins of pans and along riverbanks; while
Deurmekaarbos for the Puzzle Bush Many interesting details for gardeners, dense stands form in seasonally flooded
(Ehretia rigida); Zulu names often relate to landscapers, farmers, foresters and areas. The wood serves as a general purpose
the uses of the tree. conservationists are included in this excellent timber but must be seasoned.

26 Landscape SA • Issue 92 2020