Biology
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Little is known about the reproductive biology of the bastard quiver tree (6), but the species' flowers appear in early summer (around October) (2), and their structure suggests that they may be pollinated by sunbirds (6). If this is the case, then the bastard quiver tree is one of very few species in the area that is bird-pollinated and therefore plays a key role within the ecosystem (6).
These trees are a keystone species of this region; many animals rely on their existence for a variety of different reasons (6). It is one of very few high points in this desolate vegetation that can act as a vantage point for birds of prey and as nesting sites for other birds. The succulent nature of the leaves and flowers is also an important source of moisture for a range of different animals (6).
Due to the absence of growth rings in this monocot species, it is very difficult to tell how long trees live. It is suspected, however, that they grow very slowly and live between 250 and 350 years (7).
Conservation
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Bastard quiver trees are protected in South Africa and Namibia (11), and are listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), effectively banning international trade in wild plants of this species (1). Further research into this important species is vitally needed, together with the careful monitoring of existing populations (6). Bastard quiver trees are a vital component of the Succulent Karoo ecosystem and an important tourist draw to the region, thus making conservation efforts imperative for the area.
Description
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The bastard quiver tree casts a dramatic shape on the desolate skyline of the Succulent Karoo in southern Africa. This succulent tree can be up to ten metres tall; there are only a few branches high up on the trunk and reaching skywards, whilst the leaves tend to droop down (2). The bark is pale and smooth, often flaking off in large sections (2). The bright yellow flowers are produced on branched inflorescences that are located below the leaf rosettes (2).
Habitat
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The bastard quiver tree is mainly confined to intensely hot and arid areas of the Succulent Karoo biome which receive winter rainfall which may be supplemented with fog precipitation (2) (4). It grows on rocky, gravel slopes of mountain summits and occasionally on sandy plains (4).
Range
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Found mainly in the Richtersveld region of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, reaching north into southern Namibia (1).
Status
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Classified as Endangered (EN) on the latest Red List of South African Plants (3), as well as on the Red List of Namibian Plants (4) and listed on Appendix I of CITES (5).
Threats
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Recent surveys of the bastard quiver tree in the Richtersveld region of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, as well as in Namibia, suggest that there has been very little successful reproduction in the last 100 years. In addition, many of the older trees are dying, indicating that the population does not appear to be naturally regenerating (6) (8). The rarity of the bastard quiver tree may be partly attributed to their habitat; in harsh environments the problems of survival are amplified (6). Similar declines in population regeneration in sister species Aloe dichotoma, (the quiver tree), have been attributed to climate change (9) and it is very likely that the bastard quiver tree is being affected similarly. These effects are worsened by the removal of plants by horticultural collectors, as well as through herbivory by baboon, porcupines, rock rabbits and livestock, which also trample young plants (3) (4) (6) (8). Populations may also be affected by damage caused by leaf scale insects, and by base metal mining in Namibia (10).
Aloidendron pillansii
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Aloidendron pillansii, formerly Aloe pillansii, the giant quiver tree or bastard quiver tree, is a large, branching species of succulent plant indigenous to southern Africa. It is regarded as critically endangered.
Description
Aloidendron pillansii grows up to 15 m in height. It branches dichotomously, and superficially resembles Aloidendron dichotomum. It can be distinguished by its paler, wider, recurved leaves, and its taller, more sparsely branched growth form. The branches are made of a fiber that is soft and penetrable, which allows them to store water. Because of its habitat, the Aloidendron pillansii can shed itself of its branches and leaves if they deem detrimental to its survival.
Its round, bright yellow flowers are pendant, and hang down below the rosette (unlike those of the other tree aloes). They appear in Spring.
Distribution
It is found around the border between Namibia and South Africa, where its natural habitat is upper mountain slopes, in the arid winter-rainfall Richtersveld shrubland. It is severely threatened by habitat loss, illegal collecting, and livestock grazing. The species will not survive without intervention.
Cultivation
It rarely appears in cultivation, as it is an extremely slow growing species, and difficult to cultivate.
It requires full sun, extremely well-drained rocky mineral soil, and very dry conditions. In habitat, it grows on rocky slopes in a desert region which receives its sparse rainfall predominantly in the winter.
References
- "Bastard quiver tree". ARKive. Archived from the original on 2009-06-17. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
- "Aloidendron pillansii". Namibian Biodiversity Database. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
- "Aloe pillansii". Desert plants. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
- "Aloe pillansii". Be-Amazed Gardening. Archived from the original on 2009-08-11. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
- "Aloe pillansii". The Cactus and succulent plant mall. Archived from the original on 7 February 2010. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
- "Aloe pillansii". Succulent Plant Site South Africa. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
- Vernon, Trail, Jesse. Quiver Trees, Phantom Orchids & Rock Splitters : The Remarkable Survival Strategies of Plants, ECW Press, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central, ProQuest 2134869252
- Duncan, J., Hoffman, T., Rohde, R. et al. Long-term population changes in the Giant Quiver Tree, Aloe pillansii in the Richtersveld, South Africa. Plant Ecol 185, 73–84 (2006).doi:10.1007/s11258-005-9085-0
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Aloidendron pillansii: Brief Summary
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Aloidendron pillansii, formerly Aloe pillansii, the giant quiver tree or bastard quiver tree, is a large, branching species of succulent plant indigenous to southern Africa. It is regarded as critically endangered.
- licence
- cc-by-sa-3.0
- droit d’auteur
- Wikipedia authors and editors
