Aloe dichotoma

One of the biggest attractions to our site are the thousands of Quivertrees, a literal paradise. At the Quiver tree Dolorite Park we do not have 100,200 or 300 trees but over 5000 specimens, which makes it the densest concentration of Quivertrees in Namibia. Our trees are not just 100,200 or 300 years old but some are spectacular giants of over 600 years of age. Our trees do not grow on boring flat landscapes but amongst majestic dolorite mountains and hills.

The botanical name of the Quivertree, Aloe dichotoma refers to the way in which the branches grow. Di means two and toma branches ie. The branches of the tree always forks in two’s as it grows.

However, the name Quiver tree refers to the Bushmen's ancient custom of hollowing out the tree branches and using it as quivers in which to carry there hunting arrows.

We have also found that the leaves of the Quiver tree are eaten by Kudu antilope because it acts as a repellant to parasites when absorbed into the animals blood stream.

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