The tree that shines from afar!

One of the most distinct trees on Thanda is the Fever Tree (Vachellia xanthophloea). This image was taken just as the sun appeared over the horizon, lighting the trees in this valley through the morning mist. The Zulu name for this tree is Mkhanyakude, which means “The tree that shines from afar”. A very fitting name!

More about Fever Trees:

Vachellia xanthophloea is commonly known in English as the Fever Tree. This species of vachellia is native to eastern and southern Africa. The name xanthophloea is derived from Greek and means “yellow bark”. The common name, Fever tree, comes from its tendency to grow in swampy areas. Early European settlers noted that malarial fever was contracted in areas with these trees. They did not understand that malarial fever is spread by mosquitoes living in the swampy areas that often support this tree species, and not by the tree species itself.

Picture by Christian Sperka – Specialist Photography Guide and Resident Wildlife Photographer – Thanda Private Game Reserve