You’re exploring the bushveld at Mabalingwe, and you come across a tree with deep, dark bark and lush green leaves that seem to whisper in the breeze. This is the Tamboti tree (Spirostachys africana). It’s an iconic part of our landscape, but it’s a tree that demands your respect.
As our ranger Danika explains in our latest Ranger Diary, the Tamboti is full of surprises – some of which can be quite toxic if you aren’t careful.
A Thirsty Giant
One of the most interesting things about the Tamboti is its love for water. These trees are often found growing directly over underground water sources. In fact, if you were to dig underneath a flourishing Tamboti, you would almost certainly find a hidden stream or pocket of water. It’s a natural indicator that the Waterberg’s lifelines are running just beneath your feet.
Beautiful Furniture, Poisonous Sap
The wood of the Tamboti is prized for its stunning appearance and is often used to carve high-quality furniture. However, working with the tree is a delicate process. The tree contains a high level of tannins, which makes its milky sap quite poisonous.
- The Milky Danger: If you pluck a leaf, you’ll see a white, milky juice emerge. You must be incredibly careful never to get this in your eyes, as it has the potential to cause blindness.
- A Selective Snack: Interestingly, the toxicity of the tree doesn’t affect everyone equally. While many animals avoid it, hardy residents like our rhinos, giraffes, and kudu can munch on the leaves without any ill effects.
The Danger of the Fire
Perhaps the most important thing to remember about the Tamboti is never to use it for your evening braai fire. Because of the toxins in the wood, the smoke produced when it burns is incredibly toxic to humans. Inhaling it or even cooking food over a Tamboti flame can lead to severe illness.
The next time you’re out on a drive, ask your ranger to point out a Tamboti. It’s a striking example of the delicate balance in nature – beautiful and useful, yet fiercely protective of its secrets.
Ready to uncover more secrets of the bushveld? Join our rangers for a journey into the heart of the Waterberg, where every tree and track has a story to tell.
