Trees & Palms

African Plants - Trees and Palms

Some of the tree and palm species native to Africa are quite familiar to us. One of these trees is the acacia. There are various species of acacia known. These trees are widespread across the entire African continent and can reach considerable sizes. Others, however, grow more like shrubs. The most well-known, however, is the umbrella acacia, which is typical of the African savannas.

Trees provide more than just shade

The baobab tree is also familiar to all of us. It is widespread from West Africa across Central and East Africa to the south of the continent. The baobab tree, also known as the monkey bread tree, is indispensable for the inhabitants of Africa, as it is used in many ways. The bark is used to make ropes, cords, canoes, hats, mats, and much more. The young shoots and leaves can be eaten, and the seeds are roasted and used to make coffee. Oil can also be extracted from the seeds, and some are even suitable for brewing beer. The fruits of the baobab tree are very rich in vitamins and are often used preventively against diarrheal diseases. Juice is also made from them.

The silver oak is a welcome shade provider. Apart from the name, this tree has nothing in common with our native oak. Its leaves shimmer silver and resemble ferns. The silver oak can reach a stately height of up to twenty meters and grows very quickly. Various species of ficus, mango trees, papaya trees, mangroves, jacarandas, and flame trees, as well as many other species, are also found on the African continent.

Great diversity of palm species

In Africa, however, you will not only find a great diversity of different trees. On the continent of great contrasts, many different palm species are also native. These include coconut palms, which are very versatile. In addition to coconut milk and the white fruit flesh, other parts of the coconut palm are used to make various objects.

The oil palm is found in all tropical regions of Africa and supplies high-quality palm oil, which serves as a raw material for the production of cosmetics, soaps, candles, and even food. Biodiesel can even be made from it. The sap of the leaves can be processed into wine or schnapps. Other common palm species include the fan palm, fire palm, golden fruit palm, and the palmyra palm.

Many of the African palm species have been cultivated over the years and are often found in gardens and parks. Some of them are widespread throughout the world and also adorn gardens, conservatories, and parks in our regions.