3000 Trees, 800 fynbos far for Knysna

KNYSNA NEWS - On Friday 27 September, AfriForum and the Go Green Knysna group planted 50 trees in Pledge Nature Reserve.

AfriForum already donated a 2 500-litre water tank to the reserve because they used to store rainwater for irrigation purposes. However, this infrastructure was destroyed in the 2017 fires.

The Go Green Knysna group, AfriForum and the Brenton Taxpayers’ Association jointly manage the removal of exotic trees in the Knysna area.

“We not only planted indigenous trees but also more than 800 fynbos plants in the Brenton area to rehabilitate the endemic fynbos species and protect the Brenton blue butterfly. This endangered butterfly lives in a symbiotic relationship with a specific fynbos species, Indigofera erecta,” explained Afriforum coordinator for environmental affairs Chris Boshoff.

The organisation planted more than 3 000 trees this year during its tree-planting project in September.

According to Boshoff, this project is part of a larger attempt to help ensure a healthy, sustainable future for posterity. Although people from all over South Africa celebrate Arbour Day on 1 September, AfriForum and thousands of volunteers dedicate the whole month of September to the planting of trees.

“By planting indigenous trees we are not only protecting our environment but also show that we have hope for the future. To help South Africans flourish, we must all do our part and keep on building – to the benefit of everyone in the country,” Boshoff said.

AfriForum annually focuses on a general as well as rare tree species. The general tree for 2018 is the true yellowwood (Podocarpus latifolius), while the rare tree is the shepherd’s bush (Boscia albitrunca). AfriForum still, however, encourages members to plant indigenous trees that will thrive in their areas.

AfriForum and the Go Green Knysna group planted 50 trees in Pledge Nature Reserve on Friday 27 September. From left: Boy Sebelo, Mervyn Crous and Chris Boshoff. Photo: Supplied