As guests explore the Canyon Village they will come across clusters of curiously beautiful quiver trees along the way, thanks to a project launched by the Gondwana Collection Namibia. The project aims to preserve these extraordinary trees. The quiver tree is one of Namibia’s national plants and is widely regarded as a symbol of the south.
Quiver trees are endemic to the Nama Karoo in the south of Namibia and along the Great Escarpment in the west. They have successfully adapted to the fluctuating annual rainfall in these areas and commonly occur on the slopes or tops of hills and scattered on rocky plains.
In 2010, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) listed the quiver tree as vulnerable. This is primarily due to climate change and the increasing heat and decreasing rainfall in southern Namibia. Thus, Gondwana Collection Namibia started a Quiver Tree Project in conjunction with a nursery in the Gondwana Canyon Park.
Meanwhile, the Canyon Park Nursery has become so successful that Canyon Roadhouse, Canyon Lodge and Klipspringer Base Camp even offer quiver trees to Namibians for sale (N$ 600 per tree), the required permit for the protected plant is covered with the proof of purchase. The offer is only valid within Namibia, as the trees may not be exported without valid export permits. Proceeds from the quiver tree sale will benefit conservation efforts in Gondwana Canyon Park.
However, those living abroad can still contribute to the conservation of this unique succulent by adopting a quiver tree that will be planted in Gondwana Canyon Park (N$350 per tree). 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.