Whatshot

Along the entire Natal Coast and northwards, Mother Nature has dressed the sub-tropical landscape with a lush evergreen fashion display. A prominent species, The Palm Family, are amongst the oldest known flowering trees occurring naturally.

In pure stands the large fan-shaped, thick grey-green leaves of the Lala Palm (Hyphaene coriacea) beckon the traveller. The clumps host long branching yellow flowering swathes with single sexes on different trees. The hanging bunches of shiny, dark brown fruits take two years to ripen. The hard, white kernel inside is similar to vegetable ivory and suitable for carving into small ornaments. The Palm heart and young leaf shoots are edible, while young leaves are useful in basket weaving. Where this Palm is newly planted several clumps should be introduced together, with space allowed for growth.

The Coconut Palm (Jabaeopsis caffra) is now Rare, on the "Endangered List", with scarce stands only on the north banks of the Msikaba and Mtentu Rivers, in Pondoland, up to 5 km inland. This Palm maintains the sexes separate, but on the same tree with erect branches of cream flowers. The typical hanging bunches of copious orange fruit ripen gradually, taking a year to mature. Our most valuable Palm which occurs within many watercourses along the Natal Coast, and beyond, is the Wild Date Palm (Phoenix reclinata). It is adaptable to grasslands and forests and often found near old termite mounds. The slender stem holds the crown decked with long arching pinnate leaves in light to dark green, with spines on the lower leaves. 'Care of Design' is essential with placement and planting away from access

pathways and roadways o avoid injury to passing pedestrians or damage to vehicles. The Rooting potential r? of this Palms of extreme value to secure and stabilize disturbed sloping terrain, and the 1 O M Buffer Zone along streams and rivers, which are its natural habitat. Where the roots encapsulate the stream bank,
soil collapse and erosion is reduced. The lush tropical appearance is established with showy sprays of pollen laden creamy-white flowers which attract bees. Hanging bunches of orange-brown
fruit attract birds, monkeys and fauna. Fibre from the fruit stem was used traditionally in brooms, the leaf mid ribs for baskets. These traditional skills should be nurtured.

Lastly, the now Rare Kasi Palm (Raphia australis) located on the shores of Lake Amanzimnyama, but naturalized at Mtunz1m, where the added tourist attraction are the Palm-nut Vultures nesting in the crown, and feeding on the fruit. The root mass secures the swampy soil, the long blue-green leaves on buoyant stalks are used for rafts. The towering flower head may reach 3m from the crown after 25 - 30 years. The fruits take two years to appear with shiny brown over-lapping scales, with approximately 10,000 per head. This is the pinnacle of growth. The Palm slowly dies, and the seeds are scattered.

The noble Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), native to the Middle East was revered and depicted in the early Temples. "The Righteous shall flourish like a Palm Tree ... " Psalm 92, v. 12-13. A symbol of Victory.

Let us Pray for PEACE for the People of Ukraine with release from violent oppression and destruction. Acknowledgement : Richard Boon M.Sc. Pooley's TREES of Eastern South Africa - A Complete Guide.

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