Strangler FigFicus thonningii
At the Strangler Fig's early years, it begins as a small vine-like plant and climbs the nearest large tree. It then thickens and produces a branch set of buttressing aerial roots as it strangles the host tree. The bottom half is gnarled and twisted from being attached to the host tree. The upper half is smoother. These trees are usually found along rivers. Red GrassThemeda triandra
The Red Grass plant is just what it's name implies. They grow in dense bunches and are a dominant grass species that grow widely spaced, just like wheat. Mexican PoppyArgemone mexicana
The Mexican Poppy's erect, branched, prickly stems can grow up to 150 centimeters tall, with it's leaves around 15 centimeters long. If you cut one of these plants open, you will start to smell it's bad smelling sap. It's flowers can spread up to 2.5 to 5 centimeters long. Four to six valves open at the tip which releases brownish black spherical seeds. CommiphoraCommiphora africana
This plant is used to help a variety of different problems and diseases. It's bark, roots, and berries are used for medicine for treatments such as stomach problems, liver problems, rashes, and colic children. |
Candelabra EuphorbiaEuphorbia candelabrum
The Candelabra Euphorbia is a very fragile tree that can break very easily. It full of toxic latex, and when touched, it can blind and burn the skin. They are used as fencing for cattle so that predators won't attempt to push their way through the tree's poisonous stems. Toothbrush TreeSalvadora persica
The Toothbrush Tree provides many things, as its name suggests. It contains compounds that promote good health. It's stems and roots are used as chewing sticks or natural toothbrushes from animals. It also reduces tooth decay, plaque, and gum disease. It's fruit is used to make drinks and seeds as oil. It can grown up to 7 meters tall. There are threats that it faces though such as habitat loss and overgrazing. Pan DropseedSporobolus ioclados
This unique plant grows in dwarf form which makes it very difficult to recognize. The hardpan layer in the soil prevents grasses from producing deep roots. The high levels of the wet season herbivory combine to create the dwarf grass forms. |
Umbrella TreeAcacia tortilis
The Umbrella Tree is a very useful tree in the African Savanna. It has thin thorns all over that grow in pairs. It also has creamy whit flowers that form on the old wood. It's small leaves provide food for some animals to eat. Because of the protection of the umbrella-shaped canopy, many animals use it to their advantage. For instance, birds will build nests on the tree's limbs and the thorny branches are used to hold up the cages and pens. The width of the top is anywhere between 8 and 13 meters. Pods are eaten by animals and man and are very nutritious. Timber from the tree is used for fence posts, firewood, furniture, and wagon wheels. The bark is used for string and tannin, and the gum is edible and is used for what's called "poor man's gum". Sausage TreeKigelia africana
The Sausage Tree is known for it's poisonous fruits. When the fruit is dropped, they release seeds as the pulp rots. The fruit stalks can be seen for months after the fruit is dropped. Yellow Fever TreeAcacia xanthrphloea
In the past, it was said that areas with Yellow Fever Trees had problems with Malaria and Yellow Fever. They thought this because the trees are found near lakes and rivers where mosquitoes are bred. From this incident is where it got its name. The wood from this tree is used as firewood, building materials, and shade for animals. It is also a giraffe's favorite food. |