The well known and much loved Marula tree on the pavement in Summit Road, Salt Rock is dying.
It has been marked by yellow crosses, causing much concern.
The crosses are thought to be evidence of poisoning.
“We are devastated because we try to protect these old trees and to see this happen to it is heartbreaking,” said environmental activist and community member, Di Jones.
There was a rumour that this may have been the work of a sangoma, as the bark of the Marula tree is used for traditional medicinal purposes, but this rumour appears to be far from the truth.
According to the Kruger Park website, Marula tree bark contains antihistamines, is used as a malaria prophylactic and as treatment for dysentery and diarrhoea.
“I am sure that this is not the work of a sangoma, as they treasure these trees and the local sangoma takes meticulous care during the bark harvest not to harm the tree in any way,” said Jones.
The municipality also does not know what the crosses mean and councillor Colin Marsh is equally sad about the loss of the old tree.
“The tree was lovingly planted many years ago by one of our residents and to see it being poisoned is terrible,” he said.
The mystery remains unsolved.
