Cutting down of yellowwood trees in Dundee (or anywhere in the country) is an offence
These trees are widely spread out in especially the 'older' parts of Dundee, just outside the central business district.
Cutting a yellowwood tree could land you jail time
The yellowwood is the national tree of South Africa. The iconic species if protected and a permit from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) is required for trimming or felling them.
The Department of Arts and Culture describes the yellowwood family is primeval and has been present in this part of Africa for more than 100 million years. The crown is relatively small in relation to its height and is often covered with grey lichen.
It is found from Table Mountain, along the southern and eastern Cape coast, in the ravines of the Drakensberg up to the Blouberg and the Soutpansberg in Limpopo and right here in Dundee where several magnificent species can be seen in local gardens.
Concern was recently expressed that some Dundee residents do not realise that the trees are a protected species and cannot be ‘trimmed or cut down without the proper permit’. These trees were either severely trimmed or cut down.
These trees are widely spread out in especially the ‘older’ parts of Dundee, just outside the central business district.
Environmentalists have acknowledged that the public does not have information regarding these magnificent trees and as such gave the Courier the following:
The Importance of yellowwood trees
“Emergent yellowwoods are to Afromontane forest patches and the mountains, what coral reefs and pinnacles are to the ocean”
- Habitat for a variety of birds – including forest specialists such as the endemic Cape Parrot, the elusive Narina Trogon, rarely seen Bush Blackcap, the barbets, woodpeckers, turacos, hornbills, and many others
- A symbol of national pride and our legacy to future generations – Â as the national tree of South Africa
- Upliftment of poor rural communities depending on indigenous forests
- Important sources of carbon and part of our national biodiversity
- Historic importance – the yellowwood family is primaeval and has been present in South Africa for over 100 million years
- Upliftment of poor rural communities depending on indigenous forests
- Essential sources of carbon and part of our national biodiversity
- Villages, towns and cities depend on goods and services from these indigenous forests
The real yellowwood is slow-growing, but very long-lived and it is able to withstand some frost. The unusual textural appearance of the leaves makes it a good contrast or background for other trees. The colourful receptacles of the female tree are the most attractive.
Anyone wishing to trim or cut down such a tree is advised to contact the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment for the necessary permits.
Under the National Forests Act. cutting, disturbing, damaging,or removing protected trees could land offenders in jail for up to three years. (With acknowledgments to Eduard Labuschagne)
