Trees, YES TREES, especially those iconic to Hoedspruit, offer many a compelling reason for nature enthusiasts and eco-tourists alike to come and visit our little neck of the bushveld.

In today’s instalment we’ll look at a couple of prominent species that are as equally compelling as the Big 5, because without them both the town you see around you today and the array of fauna we all get to enjoy whilst on vacation or safari would not exist.

So let me introduce you to the cast…

1 – THE MARULA TREE: ELIXIR OF LIFE AND JOY 

Role in the Community:

The Marula tree, known for its luscious fruit and enchanting beauty, holds a treasure trove of health benefits. Rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, the Marula fruit is a powerhouse of health, offering more than just a delectable treat.

The oil extracted from these nuts is a prized skin cosmetic, revered for its nourishing properties. The tree’s green leaves offer a natural remedy for heartburn, reflecting the Marula’s medicinal value. Additionally, its bark is rich in antihistamines, providing relief from allergies and acting as a natural cleanser when its steam is inhaled.

In traditional medicine, a crushed piece of Marula bark, mixed with cold water, is a known treatment for dysentery and diarrhoea. The bark also plays a role in preventing malaria, underscoring the Marula tree’s integral role in both the cultural and medicinal landscapes of Africa.

For Animals:

For wildlife the Marula fruit is not just food but a vital source of nourishment, offering essential vitamins and minerals to sustain them through the seasons. Elephants, in particular, are drawn to the intoxicating fruit, finding not just sustenance but a natural remedy for various ailments within its flesh. Leopards too favour Marula trees (among others) because of their thick, extended branches, which make for a good sleeping spot, while also being covered by a lot of foliage. So, remember to look up as you might just catch a glimpse of this ethereal cat.

In Tourism:

Tourism centered around marula trees taps into various facets of interest, from the ecological to the cultural. Every year, the marula season brings about a flurry of excitement, with festivals celebrating the harvest of the fruit. Eaten either fresh or made into a delicious jelly (jam), its also used to make beer known as Mukumbi by the Vhavenda people or a famous marula liqueur which is available commercially. The white nut is highly nutritious and is eaten as it is or mixed with vegetables. Fruit-farming communities prefer planting a couple of these trees to attract pollinators to their farm in early spring.

2 – THE BAOBAB TREE: THE ANCIENT HEALER 

 Role in the Community

The majestic Baobab, standing tall with its roots reaching to the heavens, is a storehouse of nutrition and medicine. Its fruit, rich in Vitamin C, potassium, carbohydrates, and phosphorus, is a superfood, used to boost immunity and energy.

The leaves, packed with calcium and iron, are used in traditional dishes, while the bark’s fibres are woven into mats and ropes. Medicinally, the Baobab is a pharmacy in its own right, used to treat everything from fevers and malaria to gastrointestinal problems.

For Animals

The Baobab’s fruit and leaves serve as essential nutrition for many species, offering a lifeline during the sparse dry season. Its hollows provide shelter and its flowers a nectar source for pollinators, embodying the tree’s role as a nurturer of life.

In Tourism

In Hoedspruit and its immediate surrounds, the presence of baobab trees add a unique charm to ones vacation experience.

Eco-tourism initiatives in the region leverage the baobab’s iconic status to promote conservation efforts. Visitors can learn about the ecological importance of baobabs, their role in supporting biodiversity, and the challenges they face, including climate change and habitat destruction. Some tours even involve community projects where tourists can participate in baobab planting activities, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the land.

Moreover, the baobab’s fruit, known as “superfruit” for its high vitamin C content among other nutrients, has gained international fame. This aspect has spurred a different kind of tourism, where visitors are keen to try local delicacies made from baobab powder, participate in cooking classes, or visit communities involved in sustainable harvesting of baobab products

Photography tourism around baobabs is also significant, with enthusiasts and professional photographers alike drawn to these trees for their unique beauty and the challenge of capturing their essence. The baobabs of Hoedspruit, standing tall and proud, offer unforgettable sights and memories for those who venture near.

3 –THE MOPANE TREE: THE BUSHVELDS GREEN PHARMACY GREEN

 Role in the Community

The resilient Mopane tree, with its distinctive butterfly-shaped leaves, is a vital source of nutrition and medicinal aid. The leaves are high in protein, an essential supplement for livestock and humans alike. Mopane wood, revered for its durability, also has medicinal uses, including the treatment of stomach ailments and infections. The tree’s sap is used in traditional remedies for eye infections and to accelerate wound healing, showcasing the Mopane’s integral role in the health and wellbeing of the communities.

For Animals

The Mopane tree’s leaves are the sole food source for the Mopane worm, a caterpillar that is not only a key protein source for many African communities but also plays a role in the natural medicinal practices of the region. Wildlife thrives in the Mopane woodlands, finding both shelter and a rich source of nutrition within its leaves.

In Tourism

The importance of mopane trees in tourism stems from their ecological value and the cultural heritage associated with them. The mopane woodlands are home to a diverse array of wildlife, and as mentioned the Mopane worm (caterpillar of the Gonimbrasia Belina moth), which is a crucial source of protein for local communities and a point of interest for tourists. This caterpillar is not only a delicacy but also a symbol of sustainable living from the land, which visitors can learn about through cultural tours and tastings.

Birdwatching is another valuable aspect of tourism significantly enhanced by the presence of mopane trees. The dense canopies and rich foliage provide habitat and nesting sites for a variety of bird species, making Hoedspruit a favoured destination for birding enthusiasts. Guided walks and drives in mopane woodlands offer the chance to spot unique species, adding a special allure to the region’s natural attractions.

It’s evident that these trees stand as towering testaments to the resilience, beauty, and wisdom of nature. These guardians of Hoedspruit do more than just decorate the landscape; they nourish, heal, and protect the life that flourishes under their care. In learning about these sacred trees, we find a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life that they support, reminding us of the importance of preserving these natural healers for the health and wellbeing of future generations. As we wander beneath their canopies, we are touched by the magic of Hoedspruit’s ancient guardians, whose branches reach out to house, feed, and embrace all who seek their shade.

 https://botanicalsociety.org.za/branches/limpopo/