Yellowwood planks are now valued at up to R25,000 ($3,000) per cubic meter, an increase in value of over 400% in the last 6 years.

How tall can a yellowwood tree grow?

The real yellowwood is a large evergreen tree that grows up to 30 meters in height. It grows relatively slowly but forms a wood of exceptional quality. The leaves are strap-shaped, 2540 mm long on mature trees or up to 100 mm long on young trees, and 612 mm broad, with a bluntly pointed tip.

Are yellowwood trees protected?

Yellowwood trees are protected under the National Forests Act, 1998, as amended, and may not be cut, damaged, destroyed or disturbed without a licence granted by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (Forestry branch).

Where is yellowwood found?

South Africa The real yellowwood grows naturally in mountainous areas and forests in the southern, eastern and northern parts of South Africa, extending into Zimbabwe and further north. It is also found on rocky hillsides and mountain slopes but does not get as tall where it is exposed as it does in the forests.

Why is the yellowwood our national tree?

2. The Real Yellowwoods. The real yellow wood is considered as a national symbol based on its historical dominance all over the country. … The yellowwood tree is recorded to best thrive in the Afro-temperate forested areas and the South Africa’s table mountains.

How fast do yellowwood trees grow?

Yellowwood grows relatively slowly, 9 to 12 feet over an 8 to 10 year period. Yellowwood can be transplanted easily in the spring as a balled-and burlapped or container-grown plant. Trees grow best in fertile well-drained soils and.

Can you trim a yellowwood tree?

In the garden this tree will never reach the proportions it does in its native forests, and will generally grow fairly slowly, reaching anything from 7 to 12m, with a spread of 3 to 5m, but pruning can be done at any time to control its size and shape.

What is the fastest growing tree in South Africa?

Kiggelaria africana Fast-growing tree up to 20m. This multi-stemmed and re-coppicing tree was an important source of excellent fuel before the introduction of alien trees.

How do you identify yellowwood?

A prime ornamental characteristic of yellowwood is its low-branching form with a broad, rounded crown of delicate branches. Its slender, zigzagging stems are smooth and reddish brown. The tree’s beautiful branch framework adds winter interest, enhanced by its smooth, gray bark.

What does the real yellowwood represent in South Africa?

The National Tree: Real Yellowwood The real yellowwood tree is a protected species in South Africa. It is the most valued tree for its useful beautiful timber, with which local craftsmen make beautiful furniture out of this wood.

When was yellowwood tree discovered?

1796 Andre Micheaux, a French botanist, discovered the Yellowwood trees growing near Fort Blount, Tenn., in 1796.

What is the South Africa national tree?

Real yellowwood Real yellowwood – Podocarpus latifolius.

What is the yellow wood mean?

The yellow wood in Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken symbolizes the autumn of the speaker’s life but also indicates a place of beauty. The color yellow points to energy, happiness, and enlightenment, while the wood may suggest mystery and trial.

How hard is yellow wood?

Yellowwood is an even-grained, lightweight South African wood that has been used historically for hundreds of years, and a variety of purposes. It was extensively used in railway sleepers, as well as in multiple phases of construction. Its tough, durable nature saw it used as an exterior wood in the region.

How long has the yellow wood tree been in South Africa?

100 million years The yellowwood family is primeval and has been present in South Africa for more than 100 million years. The species is widespread and is found from Table Mountain, along the southern and eastern Cape coast, in the ravines of the Drakensberg up to the Soutpansberg and the Blouberg in Limpopo.

Where is the tallest tree in South Africa situated?

Limpopo Province The largest tree in South Africa is found near Zwigodini, Vendaland in the Limpopo Province.

What is the national tree of England?

English oak The ruling majesty of the woods, the wise old English oak holds a special place in our culture, history, and hearts. It supports more life than any other native tree species in the UK; even its fallen leaves support biodiversity. English oak is so frequent it has assumed the status of a national emblem.

What does the Springbok symbolize?

The springbok was a national symbol of South Africa under white minority rule (including a significant period prior to the establishment of Apartheid). It was adopted as a nickname or mascot by a number of South African sports teams, most famously by the national rugby team.

Does South Africa have a national insect?

Giant or King Protea – Protea cynaroides. The Latin name for this protea, cynaroides which means like-cynara (artichoke), comes from the artichoke-like appearance that the flower heads have.

What are the 6 national symbols of South Africa?

Where do I find information on the National Symbols?

Are American yellowwood trees messy?

This native tree is quite hardy although spring frosts may hinder flowering in certain years. The American Yellowwood, (Cladrastis kentukea) , bears white, fragrant flowers in 8 to 14 inch long panicles in May to early June. … Be sure to get a male tree since the females produce fruit that is messy and smelly.

Which trees are protected in South Africa?

List of Protected Tree Species under the National Forest Act, 1998 (Act No. 84 of 1998)

BOTANICAL NAMES ENGLISH COMMON NAMES NATIONAL TREE NUMBER
Acacia erioloba Camel thorn 168
Acacia haematoxylon Grey camel thorn 169
Adansonia digitata Baobab 467
Afzelia quanzensis Pod mahogany 207

Which trees have tap roots?

Hickory, conifer, oak, pine, pecan and walnut trees do have taproots, but most fruit and shade trees do not. Many desert plants have long taproots to mine water in very dry conditions. Taproots also serve to store food reserves, making them even more self-sufficient and resilient.

What are the worst trees to plant?

Trees to Avoid

What is the most common tree in South Africa?

Baobab tree One of the most iconic trees in South Africa is the Baobab tree.

What is lavender tree?

Lavender trees go by a host of other names, including lavender topiary or lavender standard. They typically have a tall, bare wooden stem topped with a ball of gray-green lavender leaves. A lavender tree is beautiful in bloom, and with its fresh-smelling leaves, it’s equally wonderful without flowers.