Exploring Pigeon Valley: The Natal Elm

This is the second in an ongoing series that highlights the riches of Pigeon Valley, the urban nature reserve in the heart of Glenwood. The focus on this column will be on the The Natal Elm,

THERE is perhaps one signature species that makes Pigeon Valley unique. One of South Africa’s rarest trees is found here in large numbers, with majestic old specimens. That is the Natal Elm, Celtis mildbraedii, UZinhlu. These great trees, with their long drooping branches, are an imposing feature of the reserve.

In fact, this species is found across parts of tropical Africa, from Ghana to Uganda, but in South Africa it is extremely hard to find one outside Pigeon Valley. For example, there is one (or perhaps two) at Ilanda Wilds in Amanzimtoti, one on the edge of Sibudu Cave, the famous archaeological site at Tongaat and a scattering of trees in a few forests such as Nkandla.

Remarkably, although I live across the road from Pigeon Valley, I never find a seedling in the garden, unlike the seedlings of a range of other trees that arrive here naturally. One reason for the seeming failure to propagate itself is the enthusiastic attention of the Thick-billed Weavers that chomp incessantly on the seed.

ALSO READ: Pigeon Valley Series – Article one: Buff-spotted flufftails

You can sometimes stand under a tree and hear the constant patter of falling seed as they work through the tree. Very occasionally I find a fruit they have missed – a bright red sphere, sweetly flavoured.

Despite this, when I go into the bush to locate alien plants, I will quite often find a seedling. I pointed one out to Richard Boon, the botanist, who told me it could stay there for perhaps 20 years before it starts to grow. After this snail’s pace, it starts a growth spurt and grows vigorously. A beautiful feature of the tree is its form – long buttresses develop that provide the tree with stability. In 2018 a blue duiker was born, and the parent went to forage for food, leaving the newborn nestled in the hollow of a huge elm, as if the tree was protecting it.

Crispin Hemson chairs the Friends of Pigeon Valley, a group that undertakes clearing of alien plants, keeps records of bird and mammal sightings and alerting management to any problems.

The Friends have a monthly walk at 7.30am on the second Saturday of each month. Email: friendsofpigeonvalley1@gmail.com.

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