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Trees
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85 guidesAlbizia trees: choose the species, not just the name
Albizia is a group of trees, not a single interchangeable source of shade, biomass or fodder. A useful planting decision begins with the scientific name, available space and the role the tree will play around people and livestock.
Sesbania: identify the species and match it to the water available
Sesbania plants can attract interest as fast-growing support vegetation. Species differ in habitat, persistence and toxicity, so a riverbank plant and an introduced ornamental should not be managed as though they were the same crop.
Productive hedges: shelter, privacy and habitat around a small plot
A hedge can define a garden, soften wind, provide habitat and sometimes produce food. On a small plot, its water demand, thorns and mature width deserve as much attention as its speed of growth.
Orchard layout: balance sunlight, wind, water and access
Orchard layout is a long-term decision. Row direction matters, but it must be considered alongside slope, adult tree size, irrigation and the space needed to harvest, prune and move safely.
Bird plum: a locally valued fruit tree for a suitable site
Bird plum is a southern African fruit tree worth considering where local examples show that it can thrive. Its older name, Berchemia discolor, remains common in nursery and reference material; Kew now accepts Phyllogeiton discolor. Keep both names in your planting records.
Sourplums: identify your Ximenia and learn from local plants
Sourplums can contribute fruit, habitat and a thorny edge to a suitable landscape. Begin with the species: “Ximenia” and “sourplum” can refer to different plants. Large sourplum is now listed by SANBI as Ximenia afra, formerly Ximenia caffra; Ximenia americana is another species.
Jackalberry: plan for a large tree and a suitable microclimate
Jackalberry, Diospyros mespiliformis, is a substantial indigenous African tree with shade and fruit value. It belongs in a long-term landscape plan. A sheltered, adequately moist site is a different proposition from planting it in a small, exposed water-limited garden.
African mangosteen: try a warm, protected fruit-tree site
African mangosteen, Garcinia livingstonei, is an African fruit tree distinct from the tropical supermarket mangosteen. Its orange fruit and attractive form make it worth exploring in suitable warmer parts of Namibia, with a cautious approach to frost and establishment water.
Mopane: work with a tree adapted to hot landscapes
Mopane, Colophospermum mopane, is a defining tree of many hot southern African landscapes, including parts of Namibia. Its value includes habitat, shade and its place in local livelihoods. Start by understanding an existing stand before deciding to plant or clear trees.
Wild medlar: document and grow a locally useful fruit tree
Wild medlar, Vangueria infausta, is an indigenous African shrub or small tree with edible ripe fruit. It can be part of a diverse food landscape where the site suits it. Its value is easier to assess from local specimens than from a promise of rapid orchard production.
Corky-bark monkey-orange: identification comes before harvest
Corky-bark monkey-orange, Strychnos cocculoides, is a fruit-bearing tree of parts of tropical and southern Africa, including northern Namibia. Its hard-shelled fruit attracts interest, but “monkey-orange” is not a sufficient identification for food use.
Mongongo or manketti: a long-term tree for suitable sandy landscapes
Mongongo, also called manketti, is Schinziophyton rautanenii. Its fruit and kernels have longstanding food value in parts of southern Africa. Growing it is a long-term landscape decision, especially where deep sandy soils and a warm summer-rainfall climate resemble its natural setting.