Indigenous tree of the month (6)

As indicated previously, we will provide information during the next few months about the indigenous trees that occur in our village. The purpose is not only to inform, but also to encourage residents to dedicate themselves to their conservation.

This edition features the Sausage tree (Kigelia africana).

PHILIP VAN DEN BERG (U34) writes: Sausage trees are widespread in the tropical areas of Africa. They are large with low-branching trunks and dense, rounded canopies that remain green throughout the year in most areas. During winter they appear like isolated green islands in an otherwise dry and drab environment.

Sausage tree are large and remain green throughout the year

The few specimens growing in our village or along streets in the vicinity are rather small and stunted, mainly because the soil is not as deep and fertile as the alluvial soil sausage trees prefer.

Sausage trees flower for a long period during springtime. The spectacular, prominent dark red flowers hang down from branches on long flexible stems and attract some birds and insects during the day. The main pollinators, however, seem to be bats that are attracted by their scent that is most notable at night.

The flowers are dark red and hang on long flexible stems

A variety of animals relish the flowers. Impala, and browsers such as kudu, nyala, bushbuck and giraffe, are attracted to the flowering trees.

An impala feeding on a flower

The seeds that are produced after flowering remain on the tree for a very long time and ripe fruit start falling from May through to April the next year. They are huge and sausage-like and weigh up to 10 kg. Parking under a fruiting tree is not advised!

The seeds are large and sausage-like

The fresh fruit is not fit for human consumption, but it can be eaten after roasting the dry seeds or for brewing beer. The wood is widely used by indigenous people to make canoes, oars, utensils and yokes.