A WINDOW ONTO NATURE'S WORLD - NATURE'S GIFTS for SECURITY, SCREENING and SHADE

When "Undisturbed" or "Modified" by man, or extreme weather conditions, the "World of the Maker" has the unique ability to embrace the needs of an area, or specific region and all its inhabitants.

In the Majete" Game Park, in Southern Malawi, the common tree species include Marula, Wild Mango and the giant Baobabs. The photo shows the rewarding tree "CANOPY", with cooling effect for the young giraffe. Conversely, where temperatures are rising in Namaqualand the Research Team monitor the devastating decline of the Common Quiver Tree with expansion of arid desert conditions.

Since conception from 1996 the Coastal Estates have endeavored to guard their Indigenous Heritage. Existing trees in a Lot are surveyed and incorporated at 'Point of Sale'. The concept offers the Owner(s) the advantages of Boundary Screening, protection from off-shore winds, privacy from neighbors and roadways. The time­saving mature trees already present a spreading canopy for SHADE. Time equals money!!

Security is a Key Issue for any homeowner with the recorded increase in Crime! The indigenous species with thorns, spines and prickles are positive deterrents to intruders. Succulent Aloes in groups or clusters form a barrier, then inter-plant with bushes of Large Num-num (Martingulu), Coast Kei Apple, or Sourplum, all with edible juicy fruits. Additional shrubs such as Blue Plumbago and Ribbon Bush for butterflies, and the Plectranthus family in semi shade will add flowering colour. Emerald Fern offers a prickly groundcover with spreading fronds.

For Privacy and Screening, for example the Verge Boundary, the space available may be critical. The Estate or Town Planning layout may allow 5.0M width, or a 3.0M width linked with the adjacent property which forms 6.0M. (The Bushbuck Corridor!) At the Planning Stage check the expected extent of tree canopy at maturity to make sure the selection will have space to GROW! Then ascertain the availability with medium and large trees in not less than a 20lt bag size, at about 1,5M in height.

For bushy species entertain the Pavetta Family with white star clusters and berries for birds, also Black Bird-berry with evergreen leaves and yellow flower heads. The Narrow-leaf Sand-olive makes a show with bunches of coppery wing-shaped capsules. For increased height add the Tassel-berry, White-pear, the Cross-berry with pink star flowers, Wild Laburnum with yellow hanging racemes and Tree Fushia with orange tubular flowers attracting birds, and Scented-pod Thorn to add dimension and bio-diversity.

The "View to the Sea' is always a priority however close to the shoreline, or even far away. The harmonious rolling of the waves is restful so CARE is essential with the positioning of medium or larger trees. Leave "windows" between the Coral Trees and groups of Forest Toad Trees. The Pigeonwood thrives on forest margins and the

'Protected' Milkwoods, (Mimusops caffra) which grow large with age present canopy shade, but need careful placement together with their Permit from DAFF.

Large evergreen trees such as Natal Mahogany offer excellent parking shade. Near the Pool ensure a set-back position to allow for root establishment. Fig trees are not ideal near to a Pool or Water Feature due to their natural habit where the roots seek out moisture. Our spreading Flatcrown is not a good candidate, when annually

discarding a myriad of tiny leaves. Another Reminder: DO NOT PLANT THE FEVER TREE south of the Tugela River, with again highly invasive roots seeking swampy water.

Responsibility rests with the Estates, Complexes, Commercial and Industrial Parks, and Parks Departments to ensure that Indigenous Tree and Species Lists are available at all times and up-dated regularly. For the new Site or Project Area the Environmental Procedure should first arrange for a Consultant to make a thorough Assessment with correct lists and Tree marking. The Consultant to preferably hold Dendrology Certification..

Awareness reinforced by personal reference is always rewarding. "Pooley's - TREES of Eastern South Africa. A Complete Guide. by Richard Boon presents a comprehensive publication available. Enjoy discovering your trees.

Acknowledgement for Chris Small of Westbrook for his introduction to "Majete". Acknowledgement to the Mongabay Research information dated 20/3/25.

Word Count = 650 = 11 = RECOGNITION OF NATURE'S NEEDS TO ENABLE BENEFITS MOVING FORWARD..