When on any kind of Kruger Park safari, you’ll find that there is so much more to experience than just the wildlife. The Kruger is a plant rich destination, and all kinds of beautiful indigenous trees grow here. Basically, if you love trees, Kruger is the place for you.
The Kruger National Park has 336 different species of trees, covering all regions with the exception of Mopane Shrubveld area. From north to south the Kruger National Park has some of the most magnificent trees. Some of the Baobabs north of the Luvuvhu River are said to be more than 4000 years old. The Kruger trees have to be hardy as they have to withstand drought, veld fires and over-browsing. Here is a closer look at six of them.
- Mopane
The Mopane tree grows in the north. Elephant browse on the Mopane tree leaves and bark. Several other animals love to eat the fallen leaves. The wood from the Mopane tree makes good firewood. Wood extracts are used by traditional healers to cure venereal disease.
- Red Bushwillow
The Red Bushwillow is a deciduous tree that is abundance in the south of the Kruger National Park. This tree can be kept as a shrub or left to grow into a tree. In the spring the new growth of this tree attracts browsers such as giraffe, elephant, impala and kudu. The wood from this tree is used to make furniture. Traditional healers treat stomach disorders with the leaves from this tree.
- Marula
From March to November this dappled bark tree bears fruit. The Marula tree is loved not only for its leaves but also its fruit is enjoyed by elephant, baboons, monkeys, zebra as well as impala and kudu. The bark of this tree is used in the treatment of Malaria and is considered a sacred tree that is used in fertility rites. The fruit of this tree is often brewed into alcohol. The tasty fruit is also a rich source of vitamin C.
- Baobab
This is an unmistakable tree because of its huge branches that look like roots. They have a very short period in the spring when they flower. The bark of the Baobab is eaten by elephant and antelope often chew on the spongy wood to quench their thirst. The traditional healers use the bark and leaves of the Baobab to treat malaria, dysentery and urinary ailment.
- Ebony Jackal-Berry
This tree is a riverine tree that grows to a height of 25 meters. It has a grey upright truck with a dense crown. It flowers in the summer and bears fruit in the winter. The fruit of this tree attracts many birds. Once the fruit falls from the tree, it is enjoyed by jackal, impala and nyala, while baboons and monkeys enjoy the fruit straight from the tree. Internal parasites are treated with the fruit of this tree. A natural antibiotic is made from the bark and leaves. Bark and leaves are also used to disinfect wounds.
- Fever Tree
This semi-deciduous tall tree is easily recognised by its yellow bark. Early pioneers to the area thought the Fever Tree was giving them malaria. Weavers like to make their nests in Fever Trees. Elephant eat the leaves and branches while the flowers are enjoyed by monkeys and baboons. The bark of the tree is used to treat eye infections.
