Aloidendron dichotomum bark

The stem colour of the quiver tree or Aloidendron dichotomum is a yellow ochre below the branching, while the pale grey of upper branches has been described as pearly. The bark is smooth, apart from the conspicuous cracks where it flakes into large patches. Bits of the older layers of the bark drop off to display sections of later growth, in patterns with vertical regularity and random detail.

Large trees have trunks reminiscent of baobabs. Holding the tree in contemplative gaze may result in an intuitive sensation of a spiritual reality. Old age is rarely this attractive (Coates Palgrave, 2002).