The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 2 Spring 2012 | Page 34

Indigenous plants of Zimbabwe The Faidherbia albida By Pure Earth Trees The Faidherbia albida, once known as Acacia albida, is one of the most truly fascinating trees that graces this beautiful land of ours. I like to relate to the Faidherbia albida as ‘The tree of life’. Everything about the species is beneficial for the soil, butterflies, birds, game, plant life and even people. Its many common names include Winter thorn, Mutsango (Shona name), Apple ring and Anna tree. Where it occurs Found in Zimbabwe along the Zambezi Valley, in Hwange National Park and down south in the Lowveld, obviously it has taken to the warmer climates. Harare is not its most ideal environment, however, it will grow well here when planted and cared for correctly. It can be classified as a pioneer species, which is essentially the first and dominant species to colonise an area. In Mana Pools and certain parts of the Zambezi River, you will notice infinite stretches of this tree, which is a truly amazing site. Many animals relish the 34 pods and it probably is the elephants’ favourite food. If you happen to be in an area where the pods are flourishing, sift through some ele dung and observe the germinating seeds. Many animals relish the pods and it probably is the elephants’ favourite food. How it grows This deciduous tree is one of the fastest growing indigenous trees, and can grow up to 30 m in height. Appropriately named the Winter thorn, this unique tree practises reverse phenology, meaning it bursts into leaf in the cool winter months and loses them during the summer. The shade over the cold spell provides protection for the various grasses and forbes, which is important as it prevents them from drying up. In contrast, the leafless canopy in summer allows for rapid sun and rain penetration, providing a fantastic head start for the undergrowth. In the Zambezi Valley, it usually flowers from May to July, furnishing the landscape with a spectacular haze of colour. Where best to plant Faidherbia albidas are legumes, which means pod bearing. Legumes have nodules on their roots that contain bacteria. This bacteria snatches nitrogen from the air in the soil in a form that plants cannot use, and basically turns it into nutrients that they can use. In the Zambezi Valley, it usually flowers from May to July, furnishing the landscape with a spectacular haze of colour.