Trees are life. Without trees we will have no rain, no rivers, no crops. Trees clean and cool the air, act as a carbon sink, and are an important part in controlling global warming and climate change. Trees protect our soils and our groundwater sources.
The Zambian landscape is characterised by its trees – the umbrella acacia, the magnificent baobab, the sprawling sycamore fig, and the majestic red mahogany. Indigenous trees that were planted in several Zambian cities around 50 years ago still give streets character, shade and beauty to-day. Indigenous trees that are planted now in gardens, at offices, shopping centres, memorial parks and along streets will benefit us now and continue to do so for another 50 years. They will also help to add attraction to our towns and cities and to cool them.
Indigenous trees are home grown; they are local and native; they occur naturally. Indigenous trees are suited to local climates, altitudes and soils and form an important part of the numerous ecosystems. Indigenous trees, unlike their exotic cousins, are less likely to topple over after 20 years, do not invade as weeds, and are not as thirsty.
There are many hundreds of indigenous tree species to choose from, flowering at different times of the year, with distinct shapes and forms, attracting numerous and diverse insects and birds. Indigenous trees provide beauty and colour in the garden; shade to the market place, street or car park; screen off factories and warehouses; supply animal fodder on the farm; offer fruit and vitamins, as well as ingredients for medicinal purposes; supply building materials and fire wood; and can stabilise and give nutrition to soil.
Trees for Zambia conserves and grows indigenous trees and hopes to inform interested people about their beauty and usefulness. Trees for Zambia has an indigenous tree and plant nursery, with nearly 10,000 tree and shrub seedlings of over 100 different species, ready for sale. All the trees are grown from seed collected in Zambia. We offer advice on appropriate planting schemes for urban areas, schools, shopping centres, businesses, golf courses, and domestic spaces. Trees for Zambia also supports environmental groups and schools by giving talks, slide shows and planting trees in public places. Trees for Zambia has an active website and a Facebook page.
As a new venture, Trees for Zambia is promoting an adjacent arboretum (collection) of indigenous trees and shrubs – CHIFWEMA ARBORETUM. An area of natural woodland has been set aside for this purpose, which will be developed over the coming years.
This website describes some useful indigenous trees and shrubs and offers advice on where to plant them, how to plant them and how to look after them once planted. Most of the photographs on this website are our own. If not, we have referenced the source.
This website does not pretend to be a botanical guide. For that, please see the excellent web site:
www.zambiaflora.com and the wide collection of books on southern African trees and shrubs.