Beyond Shade and Shelter: The Value of Trees in the African Bush
Words by Jessica Zia Nell – Career Course Student
As a MORE Field Guide College student, every day in the bush is a new opportunity to learn, observe, and be inspired by the natural world. One of the most incredible discoveries throughout my journey has been the miraculous role of trees, not just as towering beauties in the landscape, but as living legacies of culture, medicine, and survival.
Marula Tree (Sclerocarya birrea)
More than just a provider of nutritious, golden fruit, the beautiful marula tree is a symbol of fertility, sustenance, and cultural heritage. It exhibits dioecy, meaning it has distinct male and female trees, with only the females bearing fruit.
The marula tree holds deep cultural significance. Traditionally, placing a branch from a male marula tree on a pregnant woman’s belly is believed to ensure the birth of a boy, while a branch from a female tree is thought to bring a girl. Medicinally, marula bark is boiled to treat diarrhoea, while its rich, nourishing oil is a prized ingredient in cosmetics, celebrated for its exceptional moisturising properties.
We are lucky enough to come across these beauties often while out in the field. However, despite their abundance, they face constant pressure from elephants, which strip away the bark to access the nutrient-rich cambium layer beneath. If too much of this layer is removed then the tree cannot survive. To protect these trees, metal mesh is wrapped around their trunks. This acts as a barrier against excessive elephant damage while still allowing the animals to benefit from them in a more sustainable way.
Buffalo Thorn (Ziziphus mucronata)
The buffalo thorn is a tree that seems to have a built-in philosophy lesson, reminding us that life is about learning and growing. Its hooked thorns symbolise the past, the straight ones the future, and its zig-zagging branches represent the choices that are made along the way, and the unpredictable path of life.
In many African traditions, this tree is believed to bridge the physical and spiritual worlds. When a loved one passes away, a branch of this tree is carried to guide their spirit back home. Some even buy two plane tickets – one for themselves and one for the spirit – before returning home with the sacred branch.
The buffalo thorn is also a potent healer. Its root decoction is used as a natural painkiller, and an infusion of its bark and leaves provides relief from chest ailments.
Tamboti Tree (Spirostachys africana)
At first glance, the tamboti tree may seem like just another enchanting presence in the bush, but beneath its beauty lies a hidden danger. This tree exudes a milky latex that is highly toxic, and cooking over its wood can lead to poisoning.
A quirky phenomenon associated with the tamboti tree is the “jumping bean.” This phenomenon is due to a tiny moth laying its eggs inside the seed pods. As the larvae hatch and start to move, the seeds appear to jump!
Despite its poisonous reputation, the tamboti tree has medicinal applications. In small, controlled doses, its extracts have been used in traditional healing practices, though caution is always exercised. It is culturally believed that burning a tamboti tree will ward off evil spirits.
African Wattle (Peltophorum africanum)
Also known as the “weeping wattle,” this tree has a secret – its apparent tears are not its own. Spittlebugs feast on its sap, excreting a foamy substance that makes it seem as though the tree is crying.
It is believed that keeping a branch of the African wattle in your car will prevent the police from pulling you over. Whether this is true or just a superstition, it certainly adds to the tree’s mystique!
This versatile tree is valued for its medicinal properties. Traditional healers use its bark and leaves to treat a range of ailments, from respiratory issues to skin conditions, making it a true guardian of health in the wild.
The more time I spend in the bush, the more I appreciate the intricate ways in which trees sustain life. These trees are more than just part of the scenery; they are vital and deeply ingrained in the land and its people. As I continue my journey as a field guide, I carry with me not just knowledge, but a profound respect for the trees that stand as silent witnesses to the wonders of the wild.
