In Canyon Village in southern Namibia, travellers are welcomed by small clusters of wondrous trees. The quiver trees derive from a special Gondwana project.
The quiver tree, along with the Welwitschia, is Namibia’s national plant symbol. As the emblem of the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) the quiver tree epitomises Namibia as a travel destination. Without being aware of it we hold this symbol in our hands on a daily basis, embossed on the 50 cent coin.
The beautiful quiver trees in the Canyon Village complex are a popular photo motif for many travellers. Photos: Gondwana Collection
Quiver trees were declared to be endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) in 2010. This is primarily due to climate change and the increasing heat and decreasing rainfall in southern Namibia. The trees grow in generations, and each generation can live between 100 and 120 years. Due to long periods of drought in recent years, young trees could hardly establish themselves. As the older trees die and the younger trees do not grow back optimally, their numbers have declined. Therefore, without further ado, a quiver tree project was started in Gondwana Canyon Park in the Holoog Nursery.
Gondwana wants to contribute to the conservation of this unique succulent and you too can support the preservation of this symbol of the South by adopting a quiver tree that will be planted in Gondwana Canyon Park. You will receive the GPS coordinates via email and can stop by 'your quiver tree' on your next visit to Namibia's beautiful south. For more information, visit The Narrative Namibia.
Epafras Akwenye (left) and Simon Iihelele (right), two of the original members of the Gondwana Canyon Park team, standing in front one of the quiver trees that were planted in 2008.