Who We Are
Trees for Zambia Plant Nursery
We have over 100 species of trees ready for sale. All our trees are grown from seeds collected in Zambia.
Chifwema Arboretum
Chifwema arboretum is a collection of trees & shrubs. Chifwema Arboretum specialises in Zambian indigenous trees and shrubs and is open to the public for education & leisure purposes with prior arrangement.
Our Objectives
- Raise Awareness around the uses and benefits of planting indigenous trees in the Zambia population
- Encourage appropriate planting schemes for urban areas, streets, farms, schools, shopping centers, businesses, golf courses, and residential areas.
- Conserve the local flora and fauna.
Our Vision
Trees for Zambia vision is to improve the environment in Zambia by creating and conserving more green spaces in a sustainable way by making available appropriate planting materials and encouraging Zambian people to plant indigenous trees and shrubs.
Indigenous is Best!
Why Indigenous?
- Indigenous trees and plants are adapted to local conditions
- Established ecological relationship with their environment
- Form relationships with each other and to micro-organisms in soil, to flora and fauna, insects, animals and birds
- Ecological diversity provides stability
- Maintaining diverse ecosystems fundamental to our survival as a species.
Exotics vs Indigenous?
- Types of Exotic trees: Jacaranda, Flamboyant, Spathodia, umbrella trees, some palms.
- Exotic trees are a challenge because:
- Plants not integrated in local ecology
- Grow very fast, some very tall, difficult to manage (Indian ash)
- Few natural controls so can invade rapidly – lantana, guava, jacaranda, syringa, non-indigenous cassia species
- Actively exclude other plants (flamboyant)
Uses of Indigenous Trees
- Agriculture: Land reclamation and stabilization, Nitrogen fixation (conservation farming), Windbreaks, Charcoal production
- Plots and Gardens: Colour, Shade, Birds and bats, Interest, Diversity
- Landscaping: Shade (car parks), Avenues (streets), Feature trees, Golf courses
- Forest and woodland products: Honey, mushrooms, vitamins, nutrition
There are SO many choices: All different sizes, shapes, degree of evergreeness, textures, forms, colours, seed shapes, changing colours of leaves, insects, animal and bird associations.
Questions to ask yourself when looking for an indigenous tree:
- Specimen? Iconic shape
- Flowers and colour
- Attract birds?
- Windbreak?
- Block ugly sights?
- Shade in a car park or street?
Myths of Indigenous Trees
It is a myth that indigenous trees:
- Grow too slowly
- Do not require water and manure.
- Boring, poor shapes and have no color.
- Only do well on poor soils.
Indigenous trees are like any other plant. Look after them and they will thrive!
We have trees that will fulfil your wildest dreams
What does he plant who plants a tree?
He plants the friend of sun and sky;
He plants the flag of breezes free;
The shaft of beauty, towering high;
He plants a home to heaven anigh
For song and mother-croon of bird
In hushed and happy twilight heard –
The treble of heaven’s harmony
These things he plants who plants a tree.
By Henry Cuyler Bunner, The Heart of the Tree