![]() That’s because the plant evolved as native to the area that now forms the countries of South Africa and Namibia, in Africa. To the surprise of many, the astonishing succulent commonly known as the Quiver Tree inhabits a moderately large portion of the world. Source: Public Domain Image Quiver Tree Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology Its leaves also present as bluish green, and its flowers display as a brilliant yellow shade. This also has a scaled pattern, however, along with razor-sharp edges. This part of the plant has a light brownish color. The bark also garners attention for its uniqueness. Each of these has a very smooth outer covering, along with a thin layer of off-white powder. Secondly, from this springs numerous long branches. Yet, its height alone isn’t what makes it stand out from other succulents.įirstly, the remarkable Quiver Tree develops a long, slender trunk, much like a tree, leading to the understandable confusion. The great majority of specimens, though, remain much smaller than that. Individual specimens of this magnificent type of flora can sometimes attain heights of as much as 30 ft (9.14 m). That’s the fact of its sheer, amazing, physical size. That statement further holds true for one very good reason. This misunderstanding of the nature of the Quiver Tree comes as no great surprise to anyone who knows much about this wonder of evolution. ![]() ![]() Source: Public Domain Image Quiver Tree Physical Description But undoubtedly, its greatest threat comes in the form of ongoing climate change, like so many other species on earth. Loss of its native habitat serves as one of the dangers it faces. Sadly, this fabulous plant currently faces multiple threats to its survival.That’s because its numbers also appear to be diminishing throughout its range. Nevertheless, this status could potentially change in the near future. For the moment, the IUCN does not list the awesome Quiver Tree on its Red List of Threatened Species.They traditionally use its branches to make quivers for their arrows. Its common name further derives from the language of the local Indigenous Peoples. In fact, this plant classifies as an incredible variety of succulent, though it’s treated as a tree. ![]() This holds true because, despite that name, it isn’t actually a tree. The most often used common name, however, remains somewhat confusing. The remarkable flora, furthermore, also bears the less pronounceable scientific name of the Aloidendron dichotomum.Within certain portions of its habitat range, some people additionally know the amazing marvel of Nature as the kokerboom. The highly attention-grabbing term of Quiver Tree serves as the primary common name for a highly unusual variety of plant.These resourceful inventors removed the soft fibrous core of the branch, leaving the hard outer shell to dry into a hollow tube. ![]() Why, though, is this tree popularly called the quiver tree? Because the Bushmen, the innovative hunter-gatherers of southern Africa, used the branches of the tree to fashion quivers for their arrows. Every June and July, the quiver tree is thus able to treat the local birds, bees, and baboons to a copious feast of nectar from its bright yellow flowers. It survives by storing water in its trunk. Though it has spiky, succulent leaves, it grows in regions that receive little or no rain. They are like the centurions of a forgotten legion, inured to wind, sun, thirst, and freezing nights.” That is how Jon Manchip White describes quiver trees in his book The Land God Made in Anger.Īctually, the quiver tree is one of 150 species of aloe that grow in southern Africa. “With its grey bark streaked with white . . . , it stands erect on the ribs of the mountains, stark and dignified. . . FEW travelers in the arid wilderness regions of southern Africa have failed to be impressed by the sight of a quiver tree. ![]()
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