Monday, March 14, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Iconic South African Trees - The Mossel Bay Post Office Tree
As Sideroxylon inerme or the White milkwood as it is more commonly known, is featured in this month’s tree review, we thought it would be interesting to find out more about the most famous of them all, the ‘post office tree’ in Mossel Bay.
In their quest to find a sea route to India, Aquada de Sao Bras (now Mossel Bay) was one of the oldest ports of call along the Southern African coast for European explorers.
In 1488, after a gale force wind had blown his ships around the southern tip of Africa, Bartholomew Diaz entered the bay on a quest to replenish his ships with water and other supplies. Unfortunately he had to abandon the search for a sea route to India and return to Portugal.
In 1497, Vasco da Gama called at the bay on his voyage to continue the search for a sea route to India.
Other fleets called at the bay to take on fresh water and in 1500, Pedro d’Ataide, a captain in Pedro Alvares Cabral’s fleet, left an account of their voyage and the death of Bartholomew Diaz who had accompanied Cabral’s fleet.
He left the letter in a boot which he hung in a milkwood tree, where Joao da Nova found it in 1501.
Subsequent mariners left messages at this tree and the tree is now known as the first and oldest Post Office in South Africa.
This famous milkwood is estimated to be over 500 years old and was declared a national monument in 1938.
In 1963, the South African postal services provided a date stamp and a first day cover commemorating the first letter to be ‘posted’ in South Africa.
At the opening ceremony a stone post box, shaped like a boot was provided. Subsequently, all letters posted in the boot are postmarked with the publicity date stamp of Mossel Bay.
In their quest to find a sea route to India, Aquada de Sao Bras (now Mossel Bay) was one of the oldest ports of call along the Southern African coast for European explorers.
In 1488, after a gale force wind had blown his ships around the southern tip of Africa, Bartholomew Diaz entered the bay on a quest to replenish his ships with water and other supplies. Unfortunately he had to abandon the search for a sea route to India and return to Portugal.
In 1497, Vasco da Gama called at the bay on his voyage to continue the search for a sea route to India.
Other fleets called at the bay to take on fresh water and in 1500, Pedro d’Ataide, a captain in Pedro Alvares Cabral’s fleet, left an account of their voyage and the death of Bartholomew Diaz who had accompanied Cabral’s fleet.
He left the letter in a boot which he hung in a milkwood tree, where Joao da Nova found it in 1501.
Subsequent mariners left messages at this tree and the tree is now known as the first and oldest Post Office in South Africa.
This famous milkwood is estimated to be over 500 years old and was declared a national monument in 1938.
In 1963, the South African postal services provided a date stamp and a first day cover commemorating the first letter to be ‘posted’ in South Africa.
At the opening ceremony a stone post box, shaped like a boot was provided. Subsequently, all letters posted in the boot are postmarked with the publicity date stamp of Mossel Bay.
More Trees Donated to the Global Wheeling Foundation
TreeCo donated some more trees to the Global Wheeling Foundation last month to assist them in their quest of greening disadvantaged communities in the Cape Peninsula.
Join the cause by becoming a fan and following their travels and successes on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/globalwheeling and visit their website www.globalwheeling.org to find out how you may be able to participate.
A quick rundown of Global Wheeling...
The Global Wheeling Foundation is a South African based non profit organisation, working to uplift youths in disadvantaged communities through environmental education and the provision of used bicycles from European donors.
The bicycle is an eco-friendly alternative to motorised transport and by assisting those less fortunate through the donation of bicycles, the Global Wheeling Foundation aims to create a new generation of environmentally aware South Africans that will be able to help themselves by pedalling out of poverty.
The Global Wheeling Foundation has 4 exciting initiatives in place to ensure that they achieve their goal.
Global Bike Ride
Kayden Kleinhans (founder) is currently on an environmental pilgrimage through 40 countries to highlight the bike as a positive tool for change. Every km that Kayden rides can be sponsored, and all donations will be used towards empowerment and environmental initiatives.
Bums on Bikes
This initiative rewards youths for their environmental efforts through empowering them by providing them with a bicycle to use as transport.
Recycle a Bike
Those in more affluent countries (primarily Europe and the Americas) are encouraged to fill a container with second hand bikes. These bikes will be shipped to the Global Wheeling Foundation in Africa and distributed to disadvantaged communities.
Plant a Tree
The Global Wheeling Foundation is planting 2010 trees to commemorate the World Cup coming to Africa and put a long term measure in place that will assist to absorb carbon emissions.
They are in the process of planting fruit trees and indigenous trees in parks and at schools in disadvantaged areas in and around Cape Town.
In conjunction with the Global Bike Ride, every carbon free km sponsored will enable the team at Global Wheeling, working with Cape Town based NGO’s, to plant a tree. 10 carbon free km’s = 10 trees.
In addition, through this program, the Global Wheeling Foundation has created a platform to empower local street artists by employing them to design and make a wire tree which will be sent to those donors who have enabled the Global Wheeling Foundation to plant at least 10 trees.
Join the cause by becoming a fan and following their travels and successes on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/globalwheeling and visit their website www.globalwheeling.org to find out how you may be able to participate.
A quick rundown of Global Wheeling...
The Global Wheeling Foundation is a South African based non profit organisation, working to uplift youths in disadvantaged communities through environmental education and the provision of used bicycles from European donors.
The bicycle is an eco-friendly alternative to motorised transport and by assisting those less fortunate through the donation of bicycles, the Global Wheeling Foundation aims to create a new generation of environmentally aware South Africans that will be able to help themselves by pedalling out of poverty.
The Global Wheeling Foundation has 4 exciting initiatives in place to ensure that they achieve their goal.
Global Bike Ride
Kayden Kleinhans (founder) is currently on an environmental pilgrimage through 40 countries to highlight the bike as a positive tool for change. Every km that Kayden rides can be sponsored, and all donations will be used towards empowerment and environmental initiatives.
Bums on Bikes
This initiative rewards youths for their environmental efforts through empowering them by providing them with a bicycle to use as transport.
Recycle a Bike
Those in more affluent countries (primarily Europe and the Americas) are encouraged to fill a container with second hand bikes. These bikes will be shipped to the Global Wheeling Foundation in Africa and distributed to disadvantaged communities.
Plant a Tree
The Global Wheeling Foundation is planting 2010 trees to commemorate the World Cup coming to Africa and put a long term measure in place that will assist to absorb carbon emissions.
They are in the process of planting fruit trees and indigenous trees in parks and at schools in disadvantaged areas in and around Cape Town.
In conjunction with the Global Bike Ride, every carbon free km sponsored will enable the team at Global Wheeling, working with Cape Town based NGO’s, to plant a tree. 10 carbon free km’s = 10 trees.
In addition, through this program, the Global Wheeling Foundation has created a platform to empower local street artists by employing them to design and make a wire tree which will be sent to those donors who have enabled the Global Wheeling Foundation to plant at least 10 trees.
TreeCo Big Tree Gallery - March 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'?
Spectacular Monthly Tree - Harpephyllum caffrum
The Harpephyllum caffrum is an attractive, semi-deciduous, medium to large tree with a dense, spreading crown. This member of the mango family has dark green compound leaves that are grouped towards the tips of the branches. Male and female plants are separate. The flowers are small and insignificant while the red berry-like fruit is edible although rather acid. This hardy tree is ideal for coastal gardens as it tolerates the scorching effect of salt laden winds and can withstand drought once it is established. The pale reddish brown wood makes an excellent general purpose timber while the bark is used for traditional medicine.
| Botanical Name | Harpephyllum caffrum |
| Common Name | Wild plum |
| Bag Size | 100kg |
| Quantity Available | 70 |
| Average Tree Height & Trunk Thickness | 3,5m 7-8cm |
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.
Looking Good List for March 2011
TreeCo provides our readers with a downloadable, updated Looking Good 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.
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