By Simon Ngena
THE First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, has been at the forefront of tree planting in her capacity as a patron of the environment. Zimbabwe observes the first Saturday of December as National Tree Planting Day.
Speaking at pre-National Tree Planting Day campaign recently, Amai Mnangagwa implored rural communities to desist from engaging in activities that destroyed or degraded forests. In addition, trees provided food and oxygen, while also beautifying the landscape and curbing erosion.
The First Lady urged the younger generation, in particular, to embrace the culture of planting trees and conserving them for posterity. Said Amai Mnangagwa: “I am committed to advocate, teach and lead in this pre-National Tree Planting Day commemoration campaign in all the provinces ahead of the national launch ceremony to be conducted by His Excellency President Mnangagwa. “I would like to urge all the chiefs, headmen, village heads, councillors and political leaders to demonstrate environmental stewardship, as well as ensuring that their local areas are reforested, while the natural forests are conserved. “Our food security and nutrition depends on the status of forests in our environment.
Even the rainfall patterns are a function of the state of forests in any given environment. “Trees and forests remain a vital component of our daily lives and with many communities and industries currently deriving their livelihoods from them. It is critical for the country to recognise their importance and collectively work to conserve them.” As patron of the environment, the First Lady initiated the programme together with the Forestry Commission after noting the rampant chopping down of trees across the country, which has led to some indigenous species teetering on the verge of extinction. Know your indegenous trees One such species is the mubvee, Sausage Tree or Kigelia africana, which turns heads with its unusual fruits that dangle like pendulums from its branches. These sausage-shaped pods can grow up to 50cm long and weigh around 7kg each. But it’s not just the fruits that capture attention; at night, the tree blooms with redolent, crimson flowers that unfurl under the moon’s gaze, providing a nocturnal feast for the senses.
During the day, the Sausage Tree offers a lush canopy of broad leaves, creating a verdant retreat from the sun’s intensity. This natural umbrella not only adds to the landscape’s visual appeal but also serves a practical purpose by offering a cool shade that tempers the heat, making it an ideal spot for relaxation or contemplation on a warm day? In the realm of natural remedies, the Sausage Tree stands out for its skin and health benefits.
Traditionally, its fruit has been used to concoct treatments for everything from wounds to skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. The tree’s bark, leaves, and fruit are steeped in cultural healing practices. In Zimbabwe, for instance, a bark decoction serves as a mouthwash for toothache relief. West African traditions use leaf preparations to combat snakebites. These practices underscore a deep ancestral wisdom, where the Sausage Tree’s healing properties have been harnessed for centuries. As modern science plays catch-up, the tree’s role in traditional medicine remains a testament to its enduring utility.
The Sausage Tree isn’t just a quirky botanical specimen; it’s a nectar hub for a diverse array of wildlife. By night, its blossoms are a beacon for bats, serving as critical pollinatorsin the ecosystem. These nocturnal visitors are essential, not just for the tree’s reproduction, but for the pollination of numerous other plant species as well. During the day, the Sausage Tree’s broad leaves and sturdy branches offer shelter and food to birds, creating a symphony of chirps and songs. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem service provider, bolstering local biodiversity. Each bird that nests or feeds here plays a role in seed dispersal, ensuring the survival and spread of various plant species. Mubvee isn’t just a botanical curiosity; it’s steeped in myth and tradition.
In various African cultures, it’s revered as a sacred entity, often linked to fertility due to its pendulous fruit. Tribal lore holds that hanging the fruit in dwellings can boost virility, a belief that underscores the tree’s deep-rooted symbolic significance. Beyond its mythical allure, mubvee plays a pivotal role in ceremonial practices. Its parts are used in traditional healing rituals, believed to harbour remedies for skin ailments and more.
The tree’s extracts are still employed in some communities, echoing ancient wisdom and connecting the past with present-day healing techniques. The Sausage Tree doesn’t just survive drought conditions; it thrives. This resilience makes it a champion of sustainable gardening, especially in regions where water conservation is crucial.
Its ability to endure and remain lush during dry spells is a testament to its hardy nature, offering a green sanctuary when other plants might wither. Adaptability is the Sausage Tree’s middle name. Whether it’s planted in sandy soils or rich loams, this tree adjusts with ease. Its versatility extends to various climates, from its native tropical Africa to temperate regions.