Big Tree In Chirinda Forest
Conservation
Big Tree is protected within the Chirinda Forest Botanical Reserve, administered by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Estate. It sustained damage from people carving their initials into it. The tree is dying, indicated by its declining height and the loss of its topmost branches. Whether this is due to human damage or a natural process is unknown.
Other tall Khaya trees
Khaya anthotheca is a beautiful species of great importance. Specimens planted in urban areas, particularly Harare and Mutare have achieved massive size and height and often threaten buildings. They are not protected on private land in Zimbabwe.
Large specimens are notable in older suburbs such as Avondale and Greendale. In Mutare, a site near the Botanical Gardens features a row of 26 giant trees in various states of health. In many places, the trees are home to hundreds of epiphytic orchids and are a favourite vantage perch for large birds, including the augur buzzard, bat hawks, pied crows, and silvery-cheeked hornbills.
See also
References
- ^ Spriggs, Amy. "Zimbabwe, Mozambique: Montane grasslands and shrublands". worldwildlife.org. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
- ^ "Chirinda Forest". Sites - Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). BirdLife International. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
- ^ Mullin, L. J. (2003). Historic trees of Zimbabwe. Bath: CBC Pub. ISBN 978-0951520963.