Aloidendron dichotomum

Aloidendron dichotomum, the quiver tree or in Afrikaans kokerboom, commands a very special place in the Namaqualand countryside. Many succulents can be discovered all the year round when walking across this arid land, the semi-desert that is Namaqualand.

In other seasons this veld is quite unlike its spring metamorphosis. Profusely flowering annuals appear in one of natures miracles if the rain and temperatures are adequate, the cold winds stay away. In a poor rain year the event may be minimal or the season largely skipped. There are botanical surprises and natural beauty during any season here. The colour fest, hwever, occurs only in a narrow and unsure interval. Some visitors may not fare too well in the summer heat, but the countryside has rewards for the brave as well. 

Occasionally one plant is found that towers majestically over its neighbours, no problem to spot from a distance. This senior citizen commands respect, deserves to be left in peace. There are many others too...go see for yourself!