Aloidendron dichotomumor the quiver
tree grows mostly in the southern, rocky
areas of the African continent. Extreme
temperature variations, sparse rain and
relentless sunshine make survival here
anything but easy. However, this up-to-
nine-metre tall tree with its forked silver
limbs and comparatively massive trunk has
adapted well to its surroundings. Its
shimmering bark reflects the sun while
its branches are particularly efficient at
storing water. The quiver tree got its
English common name from the San
people’s practice of hollowing out its
branches to make quivers for their arrows.
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86 | July• 2019