Champion Trees in South Africa are individual trees or groves that have been identified as having special significance, and therefore protected under Section 12(1) of the National Forests Act of 1998 by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
![](http://up.wiki.x.io/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a3/Southafrica428yellowwood.jpg/220px-Southafrica428yellowwood.jpg)
![](http://up.wiki.x.io/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a8/Cinnamomum_camphora_Vergelegen.jpg/220px-Cinnamomum_camphora_Vergelegen.jpg)
History
editIn 2003, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries initiated the project to identify and grant special status to indigenous and non-indigenous trees in South Africa that meet certain set criteria. From May to July 2003, workshops were held in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape to gain consensus from experts to assist in the identification process of exceptional trees (Champion Trees) that are worthy of special protection throughout South Africa.[1]
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries initiated the Champion Trees Project with the purpose of identifying exceptional trees and regulating for their special protection using the National Forests Act of 1998 (NFA). Section 12 of the National Forests Act states that the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment can declare certain tree species and individual trees or groups of trees as protected. Under Section 15(1)(a) of the National Forests Act, such protected trees may not be "...cut, disturbed or damaged and their products may not be possessed, sold or transported without a licence...". In the case of individual trees, the protection is absolute, with no potential for permission for removal except if life or property is threatened (e.g. by dying or leaning trees).[1]
One of the outcomes of the Department's Champion Trees Project is to gazette a list of Champion trees as part of the National Forests Act.
Criteria for selection of a Champion Tree
editAny person can nominate a tree for selection.[2] Individual trees or groups of trees proposed for Champion status should have the following attributes:
- Must fit the definition of a tree;
- Must be living or dying only;
- Can be indigenous or non-indigenous;
- May be in protected areas or in botanical gardens;
- May be listed as protected in other pieces of legislation; and
- Must be evaluated against a system of categories and criteria to merit Champion status.
Additional criteria that define a tree's eligibility are biological attributes, the age of the tree, and heritage or historical significance.[1]
Biological attributes
editChampion trees can be designated on a range of singular biological attributes:
- Diameter (d)
- Height (h)
- Crown spread (2r)
The Dendrological Society of South Africa, which maintains the National Register of Big Trees in South Africa, uses a formula of the combination of the three biological attributes to obtain the Size Index (SI): This formula has been implemented to determine a tree's Champion status.
Tree age
editThe National Forests Act recommends that trees considered for Champion Tree status on the basis of age should be at least 120 years old.
Heritage Significance
editThis criterion should take into account the particular value associated with the tree, and graded on a scale of 1-10 (>6 is a potential candidate for Champion Tree status):
- Aesthetic value (image of the tree)
- Landscape value (enhancement of the landscape)
- Historical value (related to a past event or icon)
- Cultural value (of ongoing importance to a cultural group)
- Economic value (able to generate economic benefits such as through ecotourism)
Designated Champion Trees
editAs of 2018, 93 trees have been designated Champion Trees.[3][4][5]
- indicates a de-listed tree.
Champion Tree
(Register Number) |
Tree Species | Common Name | Description | Tree Size | Size Index | Location | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Adansonia digitata (Baobab) | Sagole Baobab | The largest indigenous tree of South Africa, and habitat for a rare colony of mottled spinetail swifts. | Height: 22 m Stem size: 33.72 m Crown size: 34.3 m & 41.7 m |
440 | Sagole, Limpopo | |
2 | Adansonia digitata | Glencoe Baobab | Second-largest indigenous tree of South Africa. It's carbon dated to be from 181 CE (1842–1843 years old). Tree de-listed after it was damaged. | Height: 16 m Stem size: 46.6 m Crown size: 41.5 m & 34.2 m |
413 | Glencoe Farm Hoedspruit, Limpopo | |
3 | Ficus salicifolia | Wonderboom fig of Pretoria | Largest Wonderboom fig. It is about 1000 years old and historic. An ox wagon outspan area in earlier years. It also shares a legend that a local chief was buried under the tree. | Height: 22 m Stem size: many sub-trees – 2.56 m to 7.14 m Crown size: 61.2 m & 51.9 m |
380 | Wonderboom Nature Reserve, Pretoria | |
4 | Breonadia salicina (Matumi) | Largest of a trio of trees called The Three Queens | Largest Matumi tree in South Africa | Height: 40 m Stem size: 8.3 m Crown size: 34.6 m |
363 | Amorentia Estate, Mooketsi valley, Limpopo | |
5 | Breonadia salicina (Matumi) | Second-largest of a trio of trees called The Three Queens | Second-largest Matumi tree in South Africa | Height: 38 m Stem size: 8.17 m Crown size: 25.4 m & 24.4 m |
306 | Amorentia Estate, Mooketsi Valley, Limpopo | |
6 | Breonadia salicina (Matumi) | Third-largest of a trio of trees called The Three Queens | Third-largest Matumi tree in South Africa | Height: 38 m Stem size: 2.41 m |
286 | Amorentia Estate, Mooketsi Valley, Limpopo | |
7 | Adansonia digitata (Baobab) | Platland Tree or Sunland Baobab | Very large baobab and well-known tourist attraction. Tree split in 2017. | Height: 19 m Stem size: 33.6 m Crown size: 33.7 m & 30.2 m |
340 | Sunland Estate, Platland, Duiwelskloof (Modjadjiskloof), Limpopo | |
8 | Ficus sycomorus (Common cluster fig) | Cluster Fig Giant | The largest cluster fig in South Africa, after demise of the largest fig in KwaZulu-Natal | Height: 31 m Stem size: 10.7 m Crown size: 38.2 m & 38.10 m |
336 | The farm Excellence, Hoedspruit, Limpopo | |
9 | Afrocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua yellowwood) | King Edward VII Tree | Largest Outeniqua yellowwood accessible to tourists in South Africa | Height: 39 m Stem size: 6.92 m Crown size: 33.5 m |
316 | Diepwalle Forest Estate, Garden Route National Park, Western Cape | |
10 | Eucalyptus saligna (Sydney blue gum) | The O'Connor tree lane | Very tall tree lane. It was planted in the 1930s by forestry pioneer AJ O'Connor. The landmark visible from various viewpoints. Situated next to O'Connor's memorial. | Height: 73 m Stem size: 4.28 m Crown size: 32.1 m |
482 | Woodbush Plantation, Haenertsburg, Limpopo | |
11 | Eucalyptus saligna (Sydney blue gum) | Part of "The Magoebaskloof Triplets" | The tallest tree in South Africa and Africa. And the tallest plant tree in the world. Stand of trees planted in 1906 (117–118 years old) by forestry pioneer AK Eastwood. Previous tallest tree in this stand fell in 2006. |
Height:
Stem size:
Crown size:
|
293 | Woodbush Plantation, Haenertsburg, Limpopo | |
12 | Sideroxylon inerme (Milkwood) | Grandfather of Still Bay | Largest milkwood in South Africa; estimated to be about 1000 years old | Height: 14 m Stem size: 10.01 m Crown size: 22.1 m & 17.9 m |
111 | Langebosch farm, Stillbaai, Western Cape | |
13 | Sideroxylon inerme (Milkwood) | Post Office Tree | Historic tree believed to have been the tree in which an old shoe was placed for exchange of messages by Portuguese seafarers in the 16th century | Height: 8.5 m Stem size: 2.3 m; 2.66 m (multi-stemmed) Crown size: 32.1 m & 33.7 m |
51 | Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, 1 Market Street, Mossel Bay, Western Cape | |
14 | Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor tree) | The Vergelegen trees | Historic trees planted more than 3 centuries ago by Governor WA van der Stel. They are very large trees, with a large landscape impact | Height: 26.3 m Stem size: 12.62 m (at breast height – trunk forms a thickened foot). 7 m from 3 m height. Crown size: 33.51 m & 29.3 m |
295 | Vergelegen Wines, Somerset West, Western Cape | |
15 | Eucalyptus species & a variety of other tree species | The Tokai Arboretum, situated in the Tokai State forest[a] is of historic significance, with trees planted there since 1885 (138–139 years old). Laid out by Joseph Storr Lister at the beginning of the forestry industry. A major landmark and recreation area, and world famous among botanists, horticulturists and sylviculturists. | Height: 68 m (saligna) & 43 m (P radiata) Stem size: 5.4 m (E. saligna) & 4.64 m (P. radiata) Crown size: 22.4 m & 23.7 m (E. saligna) & 25.4 m & 25.1 m (P. radiata) |
368 | Tokai Arboretum, Tokai Road, Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape | ||
16 | Platanus × hispanica (London plane) | Marriot's Lane | Tree avenue of exceptionally old plane trees of historic value; planted in 1908 (115–116 years old) by the curator, W. E. Marriot. Trees are a central landscape feature of the botanical gardens. |
Height: |
287 (Tree 2) | KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Gardens, Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal | |
17 | Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) | The Irene Champions | Estate land, parts of which were originally bought by General Jan Smuts, with a variety of trees planted since the late 19th century. | Height: 44 m Stem size: 2.57 m Crown size: 6.44 m |
296 | Irene Farm Estate, Pretoria, Gauteng | |
18 | Eucalyptus paniculata (Grey ironbark), maculata (Spotted gum), E. microcorys (Tallow gum) | Commonwealth plantation | Arboretum or sample plot of large Eucalyptus trees planted in the 1930s and protected to commemorate the Commonwealth Forestry Conference of 1935. | Height: 70 m (E. paniculata) & 72 m (E. microrys) & 71 m (E. maculata) Stem size: 4.07 m (E. paniculata) & 3.78 m (E. microrys) & 3.29 m (E. maculata) Crown size: 21.4 m & 17.4 m (E. paniculata) & 24.2 m & 23.5 m (E. microrys) & 22.7 m (E. maculata) |
350 | Middelkop Plantation, Haenertsburg, Limpopo | |
19 | Eucalyptus saligna | "Westfalia Showblock" | Stand of tall trees Eucalyptus saligna trees planted in 1933 (90–91 years old) by Hans Merensky. | Height: 1) 72 m 2) 72 m 3) 71 m Stem size: 1) 3.93 m 2) 3.91 m 3) 4.4 m (tree3) Crown size: 1) 19.3 m 14.6 m 2) 14.3 m & 12.7 m 3) 21.8 m & 16.5 m (tree3) |
322 | Westfalia Estate, Tzaneen, Limpopo | |
20 | Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island pine) | "Kweekskoolboom" | Tallest Norfolk Island pine planted in 1826 (197–198 years old) by wife of the last landdrost of Stellenbosch. | Height: 46 m Stem size: 5.98 m Crown size: 22.4 m & 20.02 m |
292 | Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, Dorp Street, Stellenbosch, Western Cape | |
21 | Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) | Bergzicht Market Trees | Planted in 1880 (143–144 years old). Prominent trees providing shade for an entire informal market. | Height: 34.5 m Stem size: 7.3 m Crown size: 34.1 m & 35.9 m |
311 | Cnr of Bird and Merriman Streets, Stellenbosch, Western Cape | |
22 | Quercus robur (English oak) | The Ryneveld Oak | Planted in 1812 (211–212 years old). One of only 5 oak trees remaining from the previous generation of planted oak trees. | Height: 29 m Stem size: 4.67 m Crown size: 16.25 m & 19 m |
148 | 6 Ryneveld Street Stellenbosch, Western Cape | |
23 | Quercus robur (English oak) | Zandvliet Oak | One of the biggest oaks in the district, located at a historic farmhouse of an old wine estate. | Height: 22 m Stem size: 4.86 m Crown size: 25.08 m |
137 | Zandvliet Delta Estate, Groot Drakenstein | |
24 | Populus nigra (Lombardy poplar) | Ruth Fischer Tree | The tree stands at the site where Ruth Fischer, daughter of Bram Fischer, ran a safe house for fugitives from the Apartheid security forces. The tree served as landmark for those seeking this safe house. | Height: 22 m Stem size: 3.52 m Crown size: 5.89 m |
56 | Corner of Fawley and Lothbury Avenue, Johannesburg, Gauteng | |
25 | Podocarpus falacatus (Outeniqua yellowwood) | "Tsitsikamma Big Tree" | One of the most accessible and famous big trees in the Tsitsikamma Forest. Visited by more than 80 000 tourists each year. | Height: 36 m Stem size: 9.15 m Crown size: 34 m |
379 | Near Storms River, Plaatbos Nature Reserve, Garden Route National Park, Eastern Cape | |
26 | Afrocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua yellowwood) | "Woodville Big Tree" | One of the largest yellowwoods in the Knysna forests, receiving substantial numbers of visitors. | Height: 33.5 m Stem size: 8.9 m Crown size: 29.8 m & 29.5 m |
314 | Collin's Hoek, Bergplaas Forest Estate, Garden Route National Park, Western Cape | |
27 | Afrocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua yellowwood) | Eastern Monarch | One of the largest trees in Eastern Cape, and located next to Tyume hiking trail. | Height: 39.4 m Stem size: 8.5 m Crown size: 29.69 m |
355 | Auckland Nature Reserve, Keiskamma Forest Estate, Eastern Cape | |
28 | Afrocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua yellowwood) | The Dalene Matthee Big Tree | Landmark tree towering above the forest, and the site of a memorial to writer Dalene Matthee. | Height: 35.4 m Stem size: 5.4 m Crown size: 28.35 m |
247 | Goudveld, Garden Route National Park, Western Cape | |
29 | Quercus robur (English oak) | Slave tree | Very large oak tree planted in 1811 (212–213 years ago) - one of the biggest in the southern hemisphere. De-listed after tree was damaged. | Height: 24 m Stem size: 5.7 m Crown size: 29 m & 25.8 m |
81 | George Tourism Bureau, 124 York Street, Western Cape | |
30 | Cedrus deodara and Cypressus sempervirens | President Brand trees | Historic collection of trees of different species planted by visiting dignitaries since 1879 in front of the old government buildings in President Brand Street, Bloemfontein. De-listed after all trees died and were replaced. | Height: 20 m (Cedrus deodara) & 27 m (Cypressus sempervirens) Stem size: 3.1 m (Cedrus deodara) & 2.14 m (Cypressus sempervirens) Crown size: 16.9 m (Cedrus deodara) & 9.7 m (Cypressus sempervirens) |
Old Government Buildings, President Brand Street, Bloemfontein, Free State | ||
31 | Quercus robur (English oak) | Sophiatown Oak and The Hanging Tree | The first individual tree proclaimed as protected under the National Forests Act. It was mutilated and died, but site is still of historic significance. The tree was part of the history of Sophiatown and the struggle against the forced removal of the community in the 1950s. The site will be memorialised. | Height: 18 m Stem size: 4.48 m Crown size:32 m |
128 | 8 Bertha Street Sophiatown, Johannesburg, Gauteng | |
32 | Eucalyptus ficifolia (Red flowering gum) | Ida's Valley Giant | Very large and attractive tree, estimated to be more than 2 centuries old. A landmark on an old historic farm. | Height: 23 m Stem size: 5.14 m, 4.31 m, 2.95 m & 0.79 m Crown size: 25.4 m & 24.4 m |
169 | Ida's Valley Homestead, Stellenbosch, Western Cape | Ida's Valley Champion Tree in Stellenbosch on YouTube |
33 | Quercus robur (English oak) | Northcliff Oak | The largest and oldest measured oak tree in Gauteng, and an impressive landmark. | Height: 22 m Stem size: 5.96 m Crown size: 29.4 m |
164 | Kirchmont Heights, 4 Koelenhof Road, Northcliff, Johannesburg, Gauteng | |
34 | Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay fig) | Wedding Tree and Arderne Fig Tree | Largest tree in the Western Cape | Height: 32.5 m Stem size: 11.89 m Crown size: 44.3 m |
347 | Arderne Gardens, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape | |
35 | Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island pine) | The Grand Norfolk Pine and The Arderne Pine | Exceptionally tall tree, even for its kind. | Height: 42.6 m Stem size: 5.75 m Crown size: 19.09 m |
252 | Arderne Gardens, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape | |
36 | Quercus suber (Cork oak) | Arderne Cork Oak | Landmark tree planted by tree pioneers Ralph and Henry Arderne.[b] | Height: 15.5 m Stem size: 4.4 m Crown size: 27.08 m & 25.75 m |
101 | Arderne Gardens, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape | |
37 | Quercus cerris (Turkey oak) | Arderne Turkey Oak | Landmark tree planted by tree pioneers Ralph and Henry Arderne.[b] Tree collapsed in October 2023.[6] | Height: 21.56 m Stem size: 5.9 m Crown size: 28.75 m & 29.7 m |
159 | Arderne Gardens, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape | |
38 | Pinus halepensis (Aleppo pine) | Arderne Aleppo Pine | One of the largest and oldest trees in Arderne Gardens.[b] | Height: 35 m Stem size: 5.46 m Crown size: 31.85 m & 32 m |
241 | Arderne Gardens, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape | |
39 | Agathis robusta (Queensland kauri) | Arderne Kauri | One of the largest and oldest trees in Arderne Gardens.[b] | Height: 27.7 m Stem size: 4.94 m Crown size: 26.6 m & 26.3 m |
179 | Arderne Gardens, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape | |
40 | Eucalyptus diversicolor (Karri gum) | "Brackenhill Gum Trees" | Tallest stand of Karri gum in the country, planted in 1922 (101–102 years old). | Height: 70 m Stem size: 4.6 m Crown size: 26.34 m & 25.2 m |
429 | Kruisfontein State Forest, Harkerville, Western Cape | |
41 | Casuarina cunninghamiana (Beefwood) | Scanlen's Lane | Lane of large casuarinas planted in the 1860s by Charles Scanlen. | Height: 1) 27 m 2)27 m 3) 27 m Stem size: 1) 5.18 m 2) 5.81 m 3) 5.82 m Crown size: 1) 22.7 m 2) 22.92 m 3) 23.12 m |
177 (Tree 3) | Municipal Recreation Grounds, Cradock, Eastern Cape | |
42 | Quercus robur (English oak) | Van der Stel's Oak Tree | Oak tree planted 3 centuries ago. It is the largest and oldest oak tree in the country. | Height: 14 m Stem size: 10.73 m Crown size: 22.1 m |
121 | Vergelegen Wines, Somerset West, Western Cape | |
43 | Eucalyptus regnans (Mountain ash) | The Benvie Trees | The tallest tree measured in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to date. The trio are situated on the scenic Benvie Arboretum, and established by Scottish emigrant John Geekie more than 80 years ago. | Height: 61 m Stem size: 6.85 m Crown size: 27.1 m & 28.6 m |
475 | Benvie Farm, New Hanover, KwaZulu-Natal | |
44 | Pinus radiata (Monterey pine) | The Eastern Cape Pine | Tallest pine tree in the Eastern Cape. Planted in late 1880s by forest workers as part of an early tree plantation. | Height: 51 m Stem size: 4.74 m Crown size: 15.5 m |
247 | Isidenge State Forest, near Stutterheim, Eastern Cape | |
45 | Corymbia citriodora (Lemon scented gum) | Paul Roos Trees | Very attractive group of big trees in scenic setting on campus grounds. | Height: 1) 39 m 2) 41 m 3) 42 m Stem size: 1) 2.4 m 2) 1.33 m 3) 1.26 m Crown size: 1) 21.7 m & 22.5 m 2) 30.3 m & 27.3 m 3) 30.3 m & 19.9 m |
284 (Tree 1) | Campus of Paul Roos Gymnasium, Welgelegen, Stellenbosch, Western Cape | |
46 | Quercus robur (English oak) | Bonniemile Oak | Large oak tree on farmyard next to the original wagon route linking Stellenbosch with Cape Town. Locals claim that W. A. van der Stel granted land to his coachmen, who planted the trees. | Height: 24 m Stem size: 5.16 m Crown size: 33 m & 34 m |
178 | Bonniemile, Stellenbosch, Western Cape | |
47 | Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red river gum) | The Ruth Steer Tree | The tree plays a very prominent role in the landscape on the river plateau of Stellenbosch. It is the same size as the Bergzicht Tree and was thus probably also planted c. 1880. | Height: 33 m Stem size: 7.87 m Crown size: 32.6 m & 33.7 m |
301 | 60 Jonkershoek Avenue, Stellenbosch, Western Cape | |
48 | Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) | Wits Campus Tree | Large Eucalyptus planted more than 80 years ago adjacent to the entrance to Johannesburg on the old Rustenburg road. | Height: 34 m Stem size: 7.45 m Crown size: 36.4 m & 38.7 m |
321 | Gavin Reilly Green, West campus WITS, Johannesburg, Gauteng
26°11′15.540″S 28°1′30.518″E / 26.18765000°S 28.02514389°E |
|
49 | Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip tree) | The Baynesfield Tulip Tree | Tree planted by Joseph Baynes in 1882 (141–142 years old), on the historic Baynesfield Estate. | Height: 34 m Stem size: 6.42 m Crown size: 25.3 m & 26.75 m |
248 | Baynesfield Estate, Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal
29°45′51.933″S 30°20′32.617″E / 29.76442583°S 30.34239361°E |
|
50 | Sequoia sempervirens (Californian redwood) | The Grootvadersbos Redwood Grove | Stand of tall Redwoods planted at Grootvadersbosch more than 80 years ago. | Height: 1) 57 m 2) 58 m 3) 66 m Stem size: 1) 3.47 m 2) 4.35 m 3) 3.2 m Crown size: 1) 11.2 m 2) 12.2 m 3) 12.2 m |
238 (Tree 2); 232 (Tree 3); 200 (Tree 1) | Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, Western Cape
33°58′55.581″S 20°49′48.709″E / 33.98210583°S 20.83019694°E |
|
51 | Eucalyptus saligna (Sydney bluegum) | Herbert Baker Chapel Trees | Group of scenic trees standing next to a chapel designed by Sir Herbert Baker. | Height: 1) 33 m 2) 31 m 3) 42 m 4) 45 m Stem size: 1) 6.14 m 2) 4.81 m 3) 5.69 m 4) 5.96 m Crown size: 1) 26.8 m & 27.3 m 2) 22.5 m 3) 26.3 m 4) 27.2 m & 27.3 m |
324 (Tree 2); 240 (Tree 1) | Porter Estate, Orpen Road, Western Cape
34°2′57.900″S 18°25′23.340″E / 34.04941667°S 18.42315000°E |
|
52 | Sequoia sempervirens (Californian redwood) | The Table Mountain Grove | Redwood trees planted in 1897 (126–127 years old), forming a landmark and recreation area for local residents, including tall Monterey pines at the fringe of this grove. | Height: 51 m Stem size: 3.44 m Crown size: 15.1 m |
207 | Part of block B18C Tokai plantation, Table Mountain National Park, Western Cape | |
53 | Acacia galpinii (Monkey thorn) | The Marico Tree | Tallest thorn tree measured in South Africa to date. | Height: 37 m Stem size: 5.69 m Crown size: 30 m& 32.14 m |
277 | Veeplaas, Skuinsdrift, Groot Marico, Northwest
25°23′25.620″S 26°22′42.327″E / 25.39045000°S 26.37842417°E |
|
54 | Ficus thonningii (Common wild fig) | "Umtentweni Giant" | Largest Common wild fig in South Africa. | Height: 21 m Stem size: 9.74 m Crown size: 34.1 m |
288 | Eden Park, Umtentweni, KwaZulu-Natal
30°42′34.910″S 30°28′5.511″E / 30.70969722°S 30.46819750°E |
|
55 | Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red river gum) | The Infruitec Gum Tree | Large tree planted about 130 years ago, and now a landmark. | Height: 38.2 m Stem size: 9.7 m Crown size: 34 m & 40.1 m |
409 | Infruitec, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
33°55′23.082″S 18°52′11.581″E / 33.92307833°S 18.86988361°E |
|
56 | Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red river gum) | Wilgenhof Grandfather | Large tree planted about 130 years ago, and now a landmark. | Height: 30.8 m Stem size: 8.5 m Crown size: 28.1 m & 28.4 m |
269 | Wilgenhof Residence, Victoria Street, Universiteitsoord, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
33°56′3.241″S 18°51′47.689″E / 33.93423361°S 18.86324694°E |
|
57 | Adansonia digitata (Baobab) | The King of Ga-Ratjeke | Newly discovered and one of the big 5 biggest indigenous trees in South Africa. | Height: 23.5 m Stem size: 24.15 m; 7.85 m & 2.14 m Crown size: 34.4 m & 30.8 m |
383 | Ga-Ratjeke Village, Limpopo
23°29′54.922″S 30°30′6.436″E / 23.49858944°S 30.50178778°E |
|
58 | Quercus robur (English oak) | Akkerdraai Oak Tree | Large Oak tree, possibly older than 175 years. Prominent landmark. | Height: 28 m Stem size: 6.1 m Crown size: 26 m |
198 | Akkerdraai Lodge, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
33°59′48.508″S 18°49′46.516″E / 33.99680778°S 18.82958778°E |
|
59 | Eucalyptus grandis; Eucalyptus maculata (Rose gum, Spotted gum) | Gum Tree Corner | Group of exceptionally large gum trees. | Height: 58 m Stem size: 6.16 m Crown size: 41.2 m |
521 | KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal | |
60 | Sequoia sempervirens (Californian redwood) | Misty Grove | A stand of tall Sequoia trees planted about 80 years ago. | Height: 59 m Stem size: 3.4 m circ Crown size: 18 m |
260 | Woodbush Plantation, Haenertsburg, Limpopo | |
61 | Eucalyptus saligna (Saligna gum) | "Saasveld Sentinels" | Large Eucalyptus landmark trees at the scenic Saasveld campus. | Height: 1) 35 m 2) 39 m Stem size: 1) 5.49 m 2) 4.61 m Crown size: 1) 29.6 m 2) 34.2 m |
276 | Saasveld Campus of Nelson Mandela University, Western Cape
33°57′43.4160″S 22°32′06.6480″E / 33.962060000°S 22.535180000°E |
|
62 | Populus deltoides (Cottonwood tree) | The Parktown Tree | The largest Cottonwood tree measured locally, and a remnant of the semi-rural surroundings of Johannesburg which are now built up. | Height: 35 m Crown size: 28.07 m |
238 | 5a 10th Avenue, Parktown North, Gauteng | |
63 | Pinus pseudostrobus (False Weymouth pine) | The Three Matrons | The largest pine trees in Limpopo, planted in 1914 (109–110 years old). | Height: 1) 49.2 m 2) 50.3 m Stem size: 1) 4.93 m 2) 4.26 m Crown size: 1) 24.35 m 2) 16.7 m |
304 (Tree 1); 239 (Tree 2) | Woodbush Forest Estate, Limpopo
23°50′35.6280″S 29°59′03.2640″E / 23.843230000°S 29.984240000°E |
|
64 | Ficus macrophylla (Moreton bay fig) | The Zoo Giant | Large landmark tree near the entrance of the Pretoria Zoo. | Height: 27 m Stem size: 11.94 m Crown size: 39.7 m & 43.1 m |
339 | National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria, Gauteng
25°44′16.4000″S 28°11′20.6300″E / 25.737888889°S 28.189063889°E |
|
65 | Pinus taeda (Loblolly pine) | The Buffelsnek Pine | Tallest pine tree measured in South Africa. | Height: 60.1 m Crown size: 18 m |
279 | Buffelsnek State Forest, Knysna, Western Cape
33°54′28.5500″S 23°09′17.4000″E / 33.907930556°S 23.154833333°E |
|
66 | Ficus sycomorus (Sycamore fig) | "The iLembe Tree" | Very large tree in rural landscape, known as a local landmark from a century ago. | Height: 23 m Stem size: 11.49 m & 2.66 m & 12.12 m (23.55 m just below 1.4 m) Crown size: 39.24 m & 32.25 m |
318 | iLembe District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal
28°52′50.7000″S 30°58′58.7280″E / 28.880750000°S 30.982980000°E |
|
67 | Cussonia spicata (Lowveld cabbage tree) | "The Kurisa Forest Giant" | An imposing giant forest tree. | Height: 35 m Stem size: 11.65 m Crown size: 22 m |
316 | Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge, Limpopo
23°28′51.4920″S 29°24′00.0480″E / 23.480970000°S 29.400013333°E |
|
68 | Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) | The Waterkloof Giant | Largest landmark tree of the eastern Pretoria suburbs. Remnant of a plantation taken over by suburban development. | Height: 34 m Stem size: 6.783 m Crown size: 33.72 m & 34.82 m |
292 | Waterkloof Primary School, Pretoria, Gauteng
25°46′40.7600″S 28°14′29.1700″E / 25.777988889°S 28.241436111°E |
|
69 | Adansonia digitata (Baobab) | Buffelsdrift baobab or Swartwater baobab | One of the five largest baobabs in the country. | Height: 28.4 m Stem size: 24.55 m Crown size: 29.11 m |
336 | Farm Swartwater, Limpopo
22°30′50.9400″S 28°07′58.7640″E / 22.514150000°S 28.132990000°E |
|
70 | Afrocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua yellowwood) | The Blouberg Big Trees | Among the tallest indigenous forest trees in the country. | Height: 41 m Stem size: 5.2 m Crown size: 31 m |
293 | Blouberg, Limpopo
23°05′08.8440″S 29°00′08.7120″E / 23.085790000°S 29.002420000°E |
|
71 | Ficus macrophylla (Moreton bay fig) | The Kindergarten Giant | Large landmark tree at the UCT campus. | Height: 25 m Stem size: 16 m Crown size: 41 m |
361 | University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape
33°57′31.1500″S 18°27′28.5800″E / 33.958652778°S 18.457938889°E |
|
72 | Ficus thoningii (Common wild fig) | The Vygekraal Trees | A scenic grove of large trees growing on the walls of a cattle kraal built in the late nineteenth century | Height: 23 m Stem size: 5.02 m Crown size: 2.,6 m |
155 | The farm Vygekraal, Pretoria, Gauteng | |
73 | Eucalyptus grandis(rose gume) | The Satico Giants | Stand of second-tallest trees in the country, planted in 1938 (85–86 years old) | Height: 72.3 m Stem size: 3.29 m Crown size: 16.5 m |
301 | Satico Plantation,
near Louw's Creek, Mpumalanga |
|
74 | Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) | Exceptionally large gum tree | Height: 72.3 m Stem size: 3.29 m Crown size: 16.5 m |
The farm Radyn near Villliersdorp, Western Cape |
|||
75 | Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay fig) | The Fernwood Trees | Landmark trees of the same vintage as the Arderne Garden trees (about 160 years old) | Height: 27.5 m Stem size: 3.29 m Crown size: 45.5 m |
322 | Fernwood Avenue, Newlands, Cape Town, Western Cape | |
76 | Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree) | The Hohenhort Grove | Grove of camphor trees of about 250 years old growing behind cellars on a historic farmyard. | Height: 24 m Stem size: 9.48 m Crown size: 18.9 m |
151 | Cellar Hohenort Hotel, Brommesvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town, Western Cape | |
77 | Eucalyptus globulus (blue red gum) | The Welbedacht Tree | Landmark tree on private nature reserve. | Height: 37.5 m Crown size: 29.8 m |
330 | Welbedacht Reserve, Tulbagh, Western Cape | |
78 | Sequoia sempervirens (Californian redwood) | Hogsback Redwood Giants | Grove of large redwood trees planted almost a century ago. | Height: 55 m Crown size: 13.2 m |
309 | Hogsback, Eastern Cape | |
79 | Quercus suber (cork oak) | Ina Paarman Oak | Tree on the property of Mrs Ina Paarman of food condiments fame, planted in the mid-19th century. | Height: 22.7 m Crown size: 32.6 m |
157 | Constantia Main Road, Constantia, Western Cape | |
80 | Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) | Houwhoek Inn Tree | Large tree planted in the mid-19th century at the oldest hotel in the country. (1850[7]) | Height: 27 m
Crown size: 26.8 m |
250 | Off the N2 road, Grabouw, Western Cape | |
81 | Eucalyptus saligna (saligna gum) | Merensky Lane | Scenic lane of trees planted by Hans Merensky on the Westfalia Estate in the 1930s. | Height: 69 m Crown size: 21.5 m |
404 | Westfalia Estate, Modjadjiskloof, Limpopo | |
82 | Eucalyptus diversicolor (Karri gum) | Boschendal Lane | Lane of exceptionally large trees planted more than two centuries ago. | Height: 50.4 m Crown size: 33.6 m |
483 | Boschendal Estate, Helshoogte Road, Western Cape | |
83 | Sequoia sempervirens (Californian redwood) | The Harkerville Giants | Tall and scenic redwoods planted in 1925 (98–99 years ago). | Height: 48 m | Harkerville State Forest, Garden Route National Park, Western Cape | ||
84 | Ficus elastica (rubber tree) | The Company's Garden Giant | Large tree forming a focal point to the entry to the Company's Gardens. | Height: 36.7 m | Company's Garden, Cape Town, Western Cape | ||
85 | Ficus sur (broom cluster fig) | The Sabie River Giant | Very large tree along the Sabie River. | Height: 34.5 m | Sabie Park Nature Reserve, Limpopo | ||
86 | Ficus thonningii (common wild fig) | The Whisper Tree or Fluisterboom | Very large tree in the grounds of a guesthouse. Estimated to be more than 200 years old. | Height: 17 m | Voëlroepersfontein Guest House, Albertinia, Western Cape | ||
87 | Eucalyptus viminalis (manna gum tree) | The Frankfort Big Trees | Two very large landmark trees on a farm near the Vaal Dam. | Height: 33.0 m | The farm Brakwal, Grootdam-Alma 1440, Frankfort, Free State | ||
88 | Eucalyptis saligna | The Dwarsrivierkloof Lane | A lane of very large landmark trees on a farm, planted more than 150 years ago. | Height: 60.4 m | The farm Dwarsrivierkloof, Winelands District Municipality,
Western Cape |
||
89 | Adansonia digitata (baobab) | The Honnet Giant | One of the five biggest baobab in South Africa. | Height: 16 m | Honnet Nature Reserve, Tshipise, Limpopo | ||
90 | Corymbia ficifolia (red flowering gum) | The Wolfskloof Tree | Very large landmark tree on a farm; 170 years old. | Height: 34.5 m | Wolfkloof Farm, Robertson District, Western Cape | ||
91 | Ficus anulata (Anulata fig) | The Durban Big Tree | Very large and rare landmark tree in botanical garden. | Height: 33 m | Durban Botanic Gardens, Kwa-Zulu Natal | ||
92 | Ficus benghalensis (Banyan tree) | The Durban Banyan Tree | Very large landmark tree in botanical garden. | Height: 31 m | Durban Botanic Gardens, Kwa-Zulu Natal | ||
93 | Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) | The Plaisir de Merle Trees | Grove of very large trees. | Height: 37.2 m | Plaisir de Merle, Simondium, Western Cape |
See also
editNotes
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Golding, J.S.; Geldenhuys, C.J. (2003). Methods and procedures for the selection of Champion trees in South Africa for protection in terms of the National Forests Act (1998) (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 June 2022. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ "Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development > Branches > Forestry & Natural Resources Management > Forestry Regulation & Oversight > Sustainable Forestry > Champion Trees". www.nda.agric.za. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
- ^ "DECLARED LIST OF CHAMPION TREES" (PDF). November 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 December 2021. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ "CHAMPION TREES OF SOUTH AFRICA" (PDF). 2016.
- ^ "STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT" (PDF). Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. 2018. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ Rossouw, Heleen. "Iconic champion tree topples: 25-metre tall Turkish oak collapses in Claremont". News24. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
- ^ "Since 1779". Houw Hoek Hotel. Retrieved 21 August 2024.