Iconic South African Trees - The Twin Giants of the Magoebaskloof

Recently, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) earmarked the two giant Saligna gum trees (Eucalyptus diversicolor) of the Woodbush State Forest near Haenertsburg in Limpopo as a priority for protection and as such were included on the list of “Champion Trees” of South Africa.

Planted in 1926 these magnificent specimens are thought to be the tallest planted Eucalyptus in Africa and perhaps even the World.


Due to the wet subtropical climate and deep soils of the area, these majestic trees have reached the unprecedented height of 78,5m and 79m.


Alongside these two giants lie the remains of the tree that originally held the record for the tallest planted Eucalyptus in Africa at 81,5m. This noble 100 year old tree, planted in 1906, sadly blew over in a storm in 2006.


The Woodbush State Forest hosts a number of popular hiking trails, so when the Twin Giants were placed under protection by DWAF, the forester of Woodbush, Mr Tiennie Niewoudt, took it upon himself to reroute the Magaoebaskloof hiking trail to enable sightseers and hikers wishing to view the Twin Giants to gain easy access to these magnificent natural wonders.


When next you find yourself in the Magoebaskloof area, be sure to pay a worthwhile visit to these incredible trees!

 

 

 

 

The TreeCo Big Tree Gallery!

Have you seen our range of beautiful big trees? Our stock levels and range of trees has grown enormously in the last few years and we invite you to not only click on the button below to view some photo's of them, but to pop in to the nursery and see them for yourself. If you are looking for sudden impact - look no further that TreeCo for your big trees!

TreeCo Nursery - A forthcoming Attraction!

Great news for clients! We are currently upgrading the nursery, as well as creating a whole new block with the popular 200kg size trees. These will be mostly indigenous and between 50 and 100 trees of each species will be available in this size! Watch this space as next month we will be posting photos of the changes we have made and you will also be able to view our exciting new range of stock.

TreeCo Big Tree Gallery - July 2011

 

 

 

Has YOUR landscape been TREECO'ed?

TreeCo has developed an extemely loyal group of clients who have come to rely on us for the quality and unique character of our trees. Whether you plant one of our 50lt or 1000lt trees, you can be assured that we have taken every measure to ensure that the specimen you invest in, has the best possible chance of survival within your landscape. Our quality translates directly to your image as a professional landscaper, which is a responsibility we take very seriously.

Beyond the quality of our trees lies the all important environmental aspect relating to how our trees are produced and cared for. We do not use harmful pesticides or chemical fertilisers and our trees are encouraged to grow at a natural rate and to a natural shape, so not only are our trees are genuinely stronger and healthier, you know that you are supporting an organisation that is continually taking active steps to reduce our carbon footprint.

When we ask 'Has YOUR landscape been TREECO'ed'?, what we really mean to ask is 'Have you used the best quality trees, produced by an environmentally responsible company to green your world'?

Have you downloaded our portfolio of services?

The TreeCo Portfolio of Services provides you with all the information you need about our company in a colourful, graphically appealing format that has been designed to be a pleasure for you to browse through. If you have not already done so, be sure to download and save our Portfolio of Services by clicking on the link below.

Please CLICK HERE to download our Portfolio of Services. 

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Spectacular Monthly Tree & Availability List - July 2011

 

 

Spectacular Monthly Tree

Although we have many tree species at our nursery that are looking spectacular at any given time, we feature just one tree in particular every month that we know will offer you the best value for money and that will add that special touch to your landscape project.

Podocarpus falcatus is the well known upright, tall growing, evergreen gymnosperm that becomes massive in our indigenous forests. The small narrow leaves are arranged spirally on the branches with a definite twist at the base. Fortunately this magnificent tree does not reach the same proportions as it does in the forest when it is planted in our urban areas, but should preferably be planted in medium to large gardens or in any area where the growth is not restricted. Plant this beautiful tree in a sunny spot in a large hole to which good compost or well rotted kraal manure have been added and water regularly in dry weather. These valuable trees tolerate frost and even do well near the coast when exposed to strong, salt laden winds.

Botanical Name	Podocarpus falcatus
Common Name	Common yellowwood
Bag Size	1000kg
Quantity Available	15
Average Tree Height & Trunk Thickness	3.5 - 4m  12 - 15cm

Should you require any further information, such as pricing details or should you wish to place an order, please contact Rudi on 082 829 5543 or Leske on 072 385 0270. Alternatively you are welcome to email us with your enquiry at info@treeco.co.za.

Availability List for July 2011

TreeCo provides our readers with a downloadable, updated Availability List every month. 

Please note that should you not find the tree that you are looking for on this list, TreeCo will readily source what you require, on your behalf. Rudi and Leske Neethling personally ensure that all trees supplied by TreeCo, conform to our high quality standards.

Please CLICK HERE to download our latest Availability List.

This document is available as a PDF document and will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader loaded on your computer, please click on the link below which will allow you to download this free program quickly and easily.

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Dombeya rotundifolia (Wild pear)

Each month, our readers look forward to our featured tree review. We conduct in-depth research into each species, to obtain as much information as we possibly can in order to offer you a truly valuable, expansive information resource. All the trees we feature are indigenous species which are suitable for use within commercial and residential landscaping projects and are easily grown throughout most of Southern Africa, but specifically the Western Cape.

The charming Dombeya rotundifolia is a common sight in bushveld areas where it heralds the onset of spring when it literally covers itself in a profusion of white or pinkish scented flowers before the leaves appear. This highly ornamental small tree with it’s neat rounded, spreading crown and almost delicate appearance resembles a true pear tree when it flowers, giving rise to the common name Wild pear. The lovely flowers contrast sharply with the dark bole and branches creating a spectacular show. The rounded dark green leaves appear after flowering, in summer, turning a beautiful lemon yellow before falling in autumn. This fast growing small tree is amazingly tough and will withstand drought, frost and windy conditions.

BASIC TREE DETAILS
Botanical Name	Dombeya rotundifolia
Common Name	Wild pear
Genus	Sterculiaceae
RSA National Tree No’	471
LANDSCAPING USES
Few trees can claim to be suitable for almost any landscaping application regardless of the size or situation of the project, but the delightful Wild pear certainly can. Fast growing, extremely hardy and absolutely gorgeous when flowering, this rewarding small tree with non-invasive roots is equally suitable whether planted in a restricted area where space is at a premium or in a large area. For street planting or in public areas Dombeya rotundifolia will do well with a minimum of care while numerous butterflies, insects and birds are attracted to the nectar laden flowers. As a specimen or planted in groups this, appealing indigenous tree will create interest throughout the year.
TREE SPECIFICATIONS
Height	6-9m
Spread	6m
Deciduous/Evergreen	Deciduous
Growth Habit	The Wild pear grows in woodland, wooded grassland or bushveld as well as on rocky slopes.
Bark	The corky bark is dark brown and rough with longitudinal fissures
Foliage	The dark green, serrated leaves are simple, petioled and nearly circular. They are thick, hard and rough. The underside of the leaves is lighter green and hairy with prominent veins.
Flowers	The masses of scented white to pinkish flowers are borne in axillary clusters from July to September, fading to light brown before dropping.
Fruit	The silky haired fruit capsules form in the centre of the flowers. Once the fruit ripens and the petals of the flowers have turned brown, the petals act as wings as the fruit falls, facilitating distribution.
Seed	The seeds of Dombeya rotundifolia are oval and pale brown in colour
GROWING REQUIREMENTS
Growing regions	The Wild pear is commonly found in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Swaziland, the Eastern Free State and Gauteng
Growing conditions	Plant these lovely trees ai full sun in a large hole to which plenty of compost has been added and water adequately for the first 2 years.
Best season	Spring
Hardiness	Dombeya rotundifolia is hardy being able to withstand hot dry conditions as well as frost and strong coastal winds.
Propagation	The Wild pear is easily propagated from seed that has been sown in a seedling mix in seed trays and transplanted into nursery bags once the proper leaves appear.
Growth rate	This tree is a fast grower, about 1m per year.
INTERESTING FEATURES
The wood of the Wild pear is fine grained, heavy and tough and is widely used for fine furniture, household implements and ornaments while the bark is used to make a strong fibre. Traditionally decoctions and infusions made from various parts of the tree have been used medicinally to cure such ailments as psychosis, vertigo, ulcers, haemorroids, nausea and even a love potion for those that need it.

              D. rotundifolia Bark                 D. rotundifolia Leaves              D. rotundifolia Flowers