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Champion Trees of South Africa

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The Big Tree, an 800 year old Outeniqua yellowwood at Tsitsikamma National Park.
One of five camphor trees (Cinnamomum camphora) at Vergelegen, Somerset West. These trees were planted between 1700 and 1706 by the then governor of the Cape Colony, Willem Adriaan van der Stel. The five trees are over 26 metres in height and each of their trunks have a girth of 7 metres (measured at a height of 3 metres)

Champion Trees in South Africa are individual trees or groves that have been identified as having special significance, and therefore protected under Section 12(1) of the National Forests Act of 1998 by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

History

[edit]

In 2003, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries initiated the project to identify and grant special status to indigenous and non-indigenous trees in South Africa that meet certain set criteria. From May to July 2003, workshops were held in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape to gain consensus from experts to assist in the identification process of exceptional trees (Champion Trees) that are worthy of special protection throughout South Africa.[1]

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries initiated the Champion Trees Project with the purpose of identifying exceptional trees and regulating for their special protection using the National Forests Act of 1998 (NFA). Section 12 of the National Forests Act states that the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment can declare certain tree species and individual trees or groups of trees as protected. Under Section 15(1)(a) of the National Forests Act, such protected trees may not be "...cut, disturbed or damaged and their products may not be possessed, sold or transported without a licence...". In the case of individual trees, the protection is absolute, with no potential for permission for removal except if life or property is threatened (e.g. by dying or leaning trees).[1]

One of the outcomes of the Department's Champion Trees Project is to gazette a list of Champion trees as part of the National Forests Act.

Criteria for selection of a Champion Tree

[edit]

Any person can nominate a tree for selection.[2] Individual trees or groups of trees proposed for Champion status should have the following attributes:

  • Must fit the definition of a tree;
  • Must be living or dying only;
  • Can be indigenous or non-indigenous;
  • May be in protected areas or in botanical gardens;
  • May be listed as protected in other pieces of legislation; and
  • Must be evaluated against a system of categories and criteria to merit Champion status.

Additional criteria that define a tree's eligibility are biological attributes, the age of the tree, and heritage or historical significance.[1]

Biological attributes

[edit]

Champion trees can be designated on a range of singular biological attributes:

  • Diameter (d)
  • Height (h)
  • Crown spread (2r)

The Dendrological Society of South Africa, which maintains the National Register of Big Trees in South Africa, uses a formula of the combination of the three biological attributes to obtain the Size Index (SI): This formula has been implemented to determine a tree's Champion status.

Tree age

[edit]

The National Forests Act recommends that trees considered for Champion Tree status on the basis of age should be at least 120 years old.

Heritage Significance

[edit]

This criterion should take into account the particular value associated with the tree, and graded on a scale of 1-10 (>6 is a potential candidate for Champion Tree status):

  • Aesthetic value (image of the tree)
  • Landscape value (enhancement of the landscape)
  • Historical value (related to a past event or icon)
  • Cultural value (of ongoing importance to a cultural group)
  • Economic value (able to generate economic benefits such as through ecotourism)

Designated Champion Trees

[edit]

As of 2018, 93 trees have been designated Champion Trees.[3][4][5]

  indicates a de-listed tree.
List of Champion Trees
Champion Tree

(Register Number)

Tree Species Common Name Description Tree Size Size Index Location Image
1 Adansonia digitata (Baobab) Sagole Baobab The largest indigenous tree of South Africa, and habitat for a rare colony of mottled spinetail swifts. Height: 22 m
Stem size: 33.72 m
Crown size: 34.3 m & 41.7 m
440 Sagole, Limpopo

22°29.994′S 30°37.990′E / 22.499900°S 30.633167°E / -22.499900; 30.633167

2 Adansonia digitata Glencoe Baobab Second-largest indigenous tree of South Africa. It's carbon dated to be from 181 CE (1842–1843 years old). Tree de-listed after it was damaged. Height: 16 m
Stem size: 46.6 m
Crown size: 41.5 m & 34.2 m
413 Glencoe Farm Hoedspruit, Limpopo

24°22′26.2″S 30°51′27.5″E / 24.373944°S 30.857639°E / -24.373944; 30.857639

3 Ficus salicifolia Wonderboom fig of Pretoria Largest Wonderboom fig. It is about 1000 years old and historic. An ox wagon outspan area in earlier years. It also shares a legend that a local chief was buried under the tree. Height: 22 m
Stem size: many sub-trees – 2.56 m to 7.14 m
Crown size: 61.2 m & 51.9 m
380 Wonderboom Nature Reserve, Pretoria

25°41′14″S 28°11′30.5″E / 25.68722°S 28.191806°E / -25.68722; 28.191806

4 Breonadia salicina (Matumi) Largest of a trio of trees called The Three Queens Largest Matumi tree in South Africa Height: 40 m
Stem size: 8.3 m
Crown size: 34.6 m
363 Amorentia Estate, Mooketsi valley, Limpopo

23°45.892′S 30°02.921′E / 23.764867°S 30.048683°E / -23.764867; 30.048683

5 Breonadia salicina (Matumi) Second-largest of a trio of trees called The Three Queens Second-largest Matumi tree in South Africa Height: 38 m
Stem size: 8.17 m
Crown size: 25.4 m & 24.4 m
306 Amorentia Estate, Mooketsi Valley, Limpopo

23°46.065′S 30°02.855′E / 23.767750°S 30.047583°E / -23.767750; 30.047583

6 Breonadia salicina (Matumi) Third-largest of a trio of trees called The Three Queens Third-largest Matumi tree in South Africa Height: 38 m
Stem size: 2.41 m
286 Amorentia Estate, Mooketsi Valley, Limpopo

23°46.065′S 30°02.855′E / 23.767750°S 30.047583°E / -23.767750; 30.047583

7 Adansonia digitata (Baobab) Platland Tree or Sunland Baobab Very large baobab and well-known tourist attraction. Tree split in 2017. Height: 19 m
Stem size: 33.6 m
Crown size: 33.7 m & 30.2 m
340 Sunland Estate, Platland, Duiwelskloof (Modjadjiskloof), Limpopo

23°37.261′S 30°11.888′E / 23.621017°S 30.198133°E / -23.621017; 30.198133

8 Ficus sycomorus (Common cluster fig) Cluster Fig Giant The largest cluster fig in South Africa, after demise of the largest fig in KwaZulu-Natal Height: 31 m
Stem size: 10.7 m
Crown size: 38.2 m & 38.10 m
336 The farm Excellence, Hoedspruit, Limpopo

24°10.244′S 20°52.262′E / 24.170733°S 20.871033°E / -24.170733; 20.871033

9 Afrocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua yellowwood) King Edward VII Tree Largest Outeniqua yellowwood accessible to tourists in South Africa Height: 39 m
Stem size: 6.92 m
Crown size: 33.5 m
316 Diepwalle Forest Estate, Garden Route National Park, Western Cape
10 Eucalyptus saligna (Sydney blue gum) The O'Connor tree lane Very tall tree lane. It was planted in the 1930s by forestry pioneer AJ O'Connor. The landmark visible from various viewpoints. Situated next to O'Connor's memorial. Height: 73 m
Stem size: 4.28 m
Crown size: 32.1 m
482 Woodbush Plantation, Haenertsburg, Limpopo

29°59.121′S 29°59.354′E / 29.985350°S 29.989233°E / -29.985350; 29.989233

11 Eucalyptus saligna (Sydney blue gum) Part of "The Magoebaskloof Triplets" The tallest tree in South Africa and Africa. And the tallest plant tree in the world. Stand of trees planted in 1906 (117–118 years old) by forestry pioneer AK Eastwood. Previous tallest tree in this stand fell in 2006.

Height:

  1. 79 m
  2. 78.5 m

Stem size:

  1. 3.2 m
  2. 4.28 m

Crown size:

  1. 20.7 m
  2. 22.7 m
293 Woodbush Plantation, Haenertsburg, Limpopo

23°48.6′S 29°59.024′E / 23.8100°S 29.983733°E / -23.8100; 29.983733

12 Sideroxylon inerme (Milkwood) Grandfather of Still Bay Largest milkwood in South Africa; estimated to be about 1000 years old Height: 14 m
Stem size: 10.01 m
Crown size: 22.1 m & 17.9 m
111 Langebosch farm, Stillbaai, Western Cape
13 Sideroxylon inerme (Milkwood) Post Office Tree Historic tree believed to have been the tree in which an old shoe was placed for exchange of messages by Portuguese seafarers in the 16th century Height: 8.5 m
Stem size: 2.3 m; 2.66 m (multi-stemmed)
Crown size: 32.1 m & 33.7 m
51 Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex, 1 Market Street, Mossel Bay, Western Cape

34°10.819′S 22°08.486′E / 34.180317°S 22.141433°E / -34.180317; 22.141433

14 Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor tree) The Vergelegen trees Historic trees planted more than 3 centuries ago by Governor WA van der Stel. They are very large trees, with a large landscape impact Height: 26.3 m
Stem size: 12.62 m (at breast height – trunk forms a thickened foot). 7 m from 3 m height.
Crown size: 33.51 m & 29.3 m
295 Vergelegen Wines, Somerset West, Western Cape

34°4.611′S 18°53.389′E / 34.076850°S 18.889817°E / -34.076850; 18.889817

15 Eucalyptus species & a variety of other tree species The Tokai Arboretum, situated in the Tokai State forest[a] is of historic significance, with trees planted there since 1885 (138–139 years old). Laid out by Joseph Storr Lister at the beginning of the forestry industry. A major landmark and recreation area, and world famous among botanists, horticulturists and sylviculturists. Height: 68 m (saligna) & 43 m (P radiata)
Stem size: 5.4 m (E. saligna) & 4.64 m (P. radiata)
Crown size: 22.4 m & 23.7 m (E. saligna) & 25.4 m & 25.1 m (P. radiata)
368 Tokai Arboretum, Tokai Road, Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape
16 Platanus × hispanica (London plane) Marriot's Lane Tree avenue of exceptionally old plane trees of historic value; planted in 1908 (115–116 years old) by the curator, W. E. Marriot. Trees are a central landscape feature of the botanical gardens.

Height:
  1: 35 m
  2: 37 m
  3: 35 m
Stem size:
  1: 4.89 m
  2: 5.59 m
  3: 3.27 m
Crown size:
  1: 28.7 m
  2: 33.9 m
  3: 26.7 m

287 (Tree 2) KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Gardens, Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal
17 Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) The Irene Champions Estate land, parts of which were originally bought by General Jan Smuts, with a variety of trees planted since the late 19th century. Height: 44 m
Stem size: 2.57 m
Crown size: 6.44 m
296 Irene Farm Estate, Pretoria, Gauteng

25°52′45.0″S 28°12′44.0″E / 25.879167°S 28.212222°E / -25.879167; 28.212222

18 Eucalyptus paniculata (Grey ironbark), maculata (Spotted gum), E. microcorys (Tallow gum) Commonwealth plantation Arboretum or sample plot of large Eucalyptus trees planted in the 1930s and protected to commemorate the Commonwealth Forestry Conference of 1935. Height: 70 m (E. paniculata) & 72 m (E. microrys) & 71 m (E. maculata)
Stem size: 4.07 m (E. paniculata) & 3.78 m (E. microrys) & 3.29 m (E. maculata)
Crown size: 21.4 m & 17.4 m (E. paniculata) & 24.2 m & 23.5 m (E. microrys) & 22.7 m (E. maculata)
350 Middelkop Plantation, Haenertsburg, Limpopo

23°49.187′S 30°04.011′E / 23.819783°S 30.066850°E / -23.819783; 30.066850

19 Eucalyptus saligna "Westfalia Showblock" Stand of tall trees Eucalyptus saligna trees planted in 1933 (90–91 years old) by Hans Merensky. Height: 1) 72 m 2) 72 m 3) 71 m
Stem size: 1) 3.93 m 2) 3.91 m 3) 4.4 m (tree3)
Crown size: 1) 19.3 m 14.6 m 2) 14.3 m & 12.7 m 3) 21.8 m & 16.5 m (tree3)
322 Westfalia Estate, Tzaneen, Limpopo

23°43.898′S 30°06.506′E / 23.731633°S 30.108433°E / -23.731633; 30.108433

20 Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island pine) "Kweekskoolboom" [af] Tallest Norfolk Island pine planted in 1826 (197–198 years old) by wife of the last landdrost of Stellenbosch. Height: 46 m
Stem size: 5.98 m
Crown size: 22.4 m & 20.02 m
292 Faculty of Theology, Stellenbosch University, Dorp Street, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

33°56.323′S 18°51.863′E / 33.938717°S 18.864383°E / -33.938717; 18.864383

21 Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) Bergzicht Market Trees Planted in 1880 (143–144 years old). Prominent trees providing shade for an entire informal market. Height: 34.5 m
Stem size: 7.3 m
Crown size: 34.1 m & 35.9 m
311 Cnr of Bird and Merriman Streets, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

33°55′57.4″S 18°51′29.3″E / 33.932611°S 18.858139°E / -33.932611; 18.858139

22 Quercus robur (English oak) The Ryneveld Oak Planted in 1812 (211–212 years old). One of only 5 oak trees remaining from the previous generation of planted oak trees. Height: 29 m
Stem size: 4.67 m
Crown size: 16.25 m & 19 m
148 6 Ryneveld Street Stellenbosch, Western Cape

33°56.297′S 18°51.790′E / 33.938283°S 18.863167°E / -33.938283; 18.863167

23 Quercus robur (English oak) Zandvliet Oak One of the biggest oaks in the district, located at a historic farmhouse of an old wine estate. Height: 22 m
Stem size: 4.86 m
Crown size: 25.08 m
137 Zandvliet Delta Estate, Groot Drakenstein

33°51.781′S 18°59.428′E / 33.863017°S 18.990467°E / -33.863017; 18.990467

24 Populus nigra (Lombardy poplar) Ruth Fischer Tree The tree stands at the site where Ruth Fischer, daughter of Bram Fischer, ran a safe house for fugitives from the Apartheid security forces. The tree served as landmark for those seeking this safe house. Height: 22 m
Stem size: 3.52 m
Crown size: 5.89 m
56 Corner of Fawley and Lothbury Avenue, Johannesburg, Gauteng

26°10.940′S 28°00.401′E / 26.182333°S 28.006683°E / -26.182333; 28.006683

25 Podocarpus falacatus (Outeniqua yellowwood) "Tsitsikamma Big Tree" One of the most accessible and famous big trees in the Tsitsikamma Forest. Visited by more than 80 000 tourists each year. Height: 36 m
Stem size: 9.15 m
Crown size: 34 m
379 Near Storms River, Plaatbos Nature Reserve, Garden Route National Park, Eastern Cape

33°57′57″S 23°53′48″E / 33.96583°S 23.89667°E / -33.96583; 23.89667

26 Afrocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua yellowwood) "Woodville Big Tree" One of the largest yellowwoods in the Knysna forests, receiving substantial numbers of visitors. Height: 33.5 m
Stem size: 8.9 m
Crown size: 29.8 m & 29.5 m
314 Collin's Hoek, Bergplaas Forest Estate, Garden Route National Park, Western Cape

33°56′03″S 22°38′42″E / 33.93417°S 22.64500°E / -33.93417; 22.64500

27 Afrocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua yellowwood) Eastern Monarch One of the largest trees in Eastern Cape, and located next to Tyume hiking trail. Height: 39.4 m
Stem size: 8.5 m
Crown size: 29.69 m
355 Auckland Nature Reserve, Keiskamma Forest Estate, Eastern Cape
28 Afrocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua yellowwood) The Dalene Matthee Big Tree Landmark tree towering above the forest, and the site of a memorial to writer Dalene Matthee. Height: 35.4 m
Stem size: 5.4 m
Crown size: 28.35 m
247 Goudveld, Garden Route National Park, Western Cape

33°55′00″S 22°57′30″E / 33.91667°S 22.95833°E / -33.91667; 22.95833

29 Quercus robur (English oak) Slave tree Very large oak tree planted in 1811 (212–213 years ago) - one of the biggest in the southern hemisphere. De-listed after tree was damaged. Height: 24 m
Stem size: 5.7 m
Crown size: 29 m & 25.8 m
81 George Tourism Bureau, 124 York Street, Western Cape

33°57.396′S 22°27.546′E / 33.956600°S 22.459100°E / -33.956600; 22.459100

30 Cedrus deodara and Cypressus sempervirens President Brand trees Historic collection of trees of different species planted by visiting dignitaries since 1879 in front of the old government buildings in President Brand Street, Bloemfontein.

De-listed after all the trees died and were replaced.

Height: 20 m (Cedrus deodara) & 27 m (Cypressus sempervirens)
Stem size: 3.1 m (Cedrus deodara) & 2.14 m (Cypressus sempervirens)
Crown size: 16.9 m (Cedrus deodara) & 9.7 m (Cypressus sempervirens)
Old Government Buildings, President Brand Street, Bloemfontein, Free State

29°06.96′S 26°12.99′E / 29.11600°S 26.21650°E / -29.11600; 26.21650

31 Quercus robur (English oak) Sophiatown Oak and The Hanging Tree The first individual tree proclaimed as protected under the National Forests Act. It was mutilated and died, but site is still of historic significance. The tree was part of the history of Sophiatown and the struggle against the forced removal of the community in the 1950s. The site will be memorialised. Height: 18 m
Stem size: 4.48 m
Crown size:32 m
128 8 Bertha Street Sophiatown, Johannesburg, Gauteng

26°10.792′S 27°58.817′E / 26.179867°S 27.980283°E / -26.179867; 27.980283

32 Eucalyptus ficifolia (Red flowering gum) Ida's Valley Giant Very large and attractive tree, estimated to be more than 2 centuries old. A landmark on an old historic farm. Height: 23 m
Stem size: 5.14 m, 4.31 m, 2.95 m & 0.79 m
Crown size: 25.4 m & 24.4 m
169 Ida's Valley Homestead, Stellenbosch, Western Cape Ida's Valley Champion Tree in Stellenbosch on YouTube
33 Quercus robur (English oak) Northcliff Oak The largest and oldest measured oak tree in Gauteng, and an impressive landmark. Height: 22 m
Stem size: 5.96 m
Crown size: 29.4 m
164 Kirchmont Heights, 4 Koelenhof Road, Northcliff, Johannesburg, Gauteng

26°09′57.8″S 27°57′33.2″E / 26.166056°S 27.959222°E / -26.166056; 27.959222

34 Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay fig) Wedding Tree and Arderne Fig Tree Largest tree in the Western Cape Height: 32.5 m
Stem size: 11.89 m
Crown size: 44.3 m
347 Arderne Gardens, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape
35 Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island pine) The Grand Norfolk Pine and The Arderne Pine Exceptionally tall tree, even for its kind. Height: 42.6 m
Stem size: 5.75 m
Crown size: 19.09 m
252 Arderne Gardens, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape
36 Quercus suber (Cork oak) Arderne Cork Oak Landmark tree planted by tree pioneers Ralph and Henry Arderne.[b] Height: 15.5 m
Stem size: 4.4 m
Crown size: 27.08 m & 25.75 m
101 Arderne Gardens, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape
37 Quercus cerris (Turkey oak) Arderne Turkey Oak Landmark tree planted by tree pioneers Ralph and Henry Arderne.[b] Tree collapsed in October 2023.[6] Height: 21.56 m
Stem size: 5.9 m
Crown size: 28.75 m & 29.7 m
159 Arderne Gardens, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape
38 Pinus halepensis (Aleppo pine) Arderne Aleppo Pine One of the largest and oldest trees in Arderne Gardens.[b] Height: 35 m
Stem size: 5.46 m
Crown size: 31.85 m & 32 m
241 Arderne Gardens, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape
39 Agathis robusta (Queensland kauri) Arderne Kauri One of the largest and oldest trees in Arderne Gardens.[b] Height: 27.7 m
Stem size: 4.94 m
Crown size: 26.6 m & 26.3 m
179 Arderne Gardens, Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape
40 Eucalyptus diversicolor (Karri gum) "Brackenhill Gum Trees" Tallest stand of Karri gum in the country, planted in 1922 (101–102 years old). Height: 70 m
Stem size: 4.6 m
Crown size: 26.34 m & 25.2 m
429 Kruisfontein State Forest, Harkerville, Western Cape
41 Casuarina cunninghamiana (Beefwood) Scanlen's Lane Lane of large casuarinas planted in the 1860s by Charles Scanlen. Height: 1) 27 m 2)27 m 3) 27 m
Stem size: 1) 5.18 m 2) 5.81 m 3) 5.82 m
Crown size: 1) 22.7 m 2) 22.92 m 3) 23.12 m
177 (Tree 3) Municipal Recreation Grounds, Cradock, Eastern Cape

32°09.79′S 25°36.86′E / 32.16317°S 25.61433°E / -32.16317; 25.61433

42 Quercus robur (English oak) Van der Stel's Oak Tree Oak tree planted 3 centuries ago. It is the largest and oldest oak tree in the country. Height: 14 m
Stem size: 10.73 m
Crown size: 22.1 m
121 Vergelegen Wines, Somerset West, Western Cape

34°04.560′S 18°53.392′E / 34.076000°S 18.889867°E / -34.076000; 18.889867

43 Eucalyptus regnans (Mountain ash) The Benvie Trees The tallest tree measured in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands to date. The trio are situated on the scenic Benvie Arboretum, and established by Scottish emigrant John Geekie more than 80 years ago. Height: 61 m
Stem size: 6.85 m
Crown size: 27.1 m & 28.6 m
475 Benvie Farm, New Hanover, KwaZulu-Natal

29°15.151′S 30°22.116′E / 29.252517°S 30.368600°E / -29.252517; 30.368600

44 Pinus radiata (Monterey pine) The Eastern Cape Pine Tallest pine tree in the Eastern Cape. Planted in late 1880s by forest workers as part of an early tree plantation. Height: 51 m
Stem size: 4.74 m
Crown size: 15.5 m
247 Isidenge State Forest, near Stutterheim, Eastern Cape

32°40.049′S 27°16.754′E / 32.667483°S 27.279233°E / -32.667483; 27.279233

45 Corymbia citriodora (Lemon scented gum) Paul Roos Trees Very attractive group of big trees in scenic setting on campus grounds. Height: 1) 39 m 2) 41 m 3) 42 m
Stem size: 1) 2.4 m 2) 1.33 m 3) 1.26 m
Crown size: 1) 21.7 m & 22.5 m 2) 30.3 m & 27.3 m 3) 30.3 m & 19.9 m
284 (Tree 1) Campus of Paul Roos Gymnasium, Welgelegen, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

33°56.25′S 18°51.54′E / 33.93750°S 18.85900°E / -33.93750; 18.85900

46 Quercus robur (English oak) Bonniemile Oak Large oak tree on farmyard next to the original wagon route linking Stellenbosch with Cape Town. Locals claim that W. A. van der Stel granted land to his coachmen, who planted the trees. Height: 24 m
Stem size: 5.16 m
Crown size: 33 m & 34 m
178  Bonniemile, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

33°02.31′S 18°46.00′E / 33.03850°S 18.76667°E / -33.03850; 18.76667

47 Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red river gum) The Ruth Steer Tree The tree plays a very prominent role in the landscape on the river plateau of Stellenbosch. It is the same size as the Bergzicht Tree and was thus probably also planted c. 1880. Height: 33 m
Stem size: 7.87 m
Crown size: 32.6 m & 33.7 m
301 60 Jonkershoek Avenue, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

33°56.044′S 18°53.00′E / 33.934067°S 18.88333°E / -33.934067; 18.88333

48 Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) Wits Campus Tree Large Eucalyptus planted more than 80 years ago adjacent to the entrance to Johannesburg on the old Rustenburg road. Height: 34 m
Stem size: 7.45 m
Crown size: 36.4 m & 38.7 m
321 Gavin Reilly Green, West campus WITS, Johannesburg, Gauteng

26°11′15.540″S 28°1′30.518″E / 26.18765000°S 28.02514389°E / -26.18765000; 28.02514389

49 Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip tree) The Baynesfield Tulip Tree Tree planted by Joseph Baynes in 1882 (141–142 years old), on the historic Baynesfield Estate. Height: 34 m
Stem size: 6.42 m
Crown size: 25.3 m & 26.75 m
248 Baynesfield Estate, Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal

29°45′51.933″S 30°20′32.617″E / 29.76442583°S 30.34239361°E / -29.76442583; 30.34239361

50 Sequoia sempervirens (Californian redwood) The Grootvadersbos Redwood Grove Stand of tall Redwoods planted at Grootvadersbosch more than 80 years ago. Height: 1) 57 m 2) 58 m 3) 66 m
Stem size: 1) 3.47 m 2) 4.35 m 3) 3.2 m
Crown size: 1) 11.2 m 2) 12.2 m 3) 12.2 m
238 (Tree 2); 232 (Tree 3); 200 (Tree 1) Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve, Western Cape

33°58′55.581″S 20°49′48.709″E / 33.98210583°S 20.83019694°E / -33.98210583; 20.83019694

51 Eucalyptus saligna (Sydney bluegum) Herbert Baker Chapel Trees Group of scenic trees standing next to a chapel designed by Sir Herbert Baker. Height: 1) 33 m 2) 31 m 3) 42 m 4) 45 m
Stem size: 1) 6.14 m 2) 4.81 m 3) 5.69 m 4) 5.96 m
Crown size: 1) 26.8 m & 27.3 m 2) 22.5 m 3) 26.3 m 4) 27.2 m & 27.3 m
324 (Tree 2); 240 (Tree 1) Porter Estate, Orpen Road, Western Cape

34°2′57.900″S 18°25′23.340″E / 34.04941667°S 18.42315000°E / -34.04941667; 18.42315000

52 Sequoia sempervirens (Californian redwood) The Table Mountain Grove Redwood trees planted in 1897 (126–127 years old), forming a landmark and recreation area for local residents, including tall Monterey pines at the fringe of this grove. Height: 51 m
Stem size: 3.44 m
Crown size: 15.1 m
207 Part of block B18C Tokai plantation, Table Mountain National Park, Western Cape
53 Acacia galpinii (Monkey thorn) The Marico Tree Tallest thorn tree measured in South Africa to date. Height: 37 m
Stem size: 5.69 m
Crown size: 30 m& 32.14 m
277 Veeplaas, Skuinsdrift, Groot Marico, Northwest

25°23′25.620″S 26°22′42.327″E / 25.39045000°S 26.37842417°E / -25.39045000; 26.37842417

54 Ficus thonningii (Common wild fig) "Umtentweni Giant" Largest Common wild fig in South Africa. Height: 21 m
Stem size: 9.74 m
Crown size: 34.1 m
288 Eden Park, Umtentweni, KwaZulu-Natal

30°42′34.910″S 30°28′5.511″E / 30.70969722°S 30.46819750°E / -30.70969722; 30.46819750

55 Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red river gum) The Infruitec Gum Tree Large tree planted about 130 years ago, and now a landmark. Height: 38.2 m
Stem size: 9.7 m
Crown size: 34 m & 40.1 m
409 Infruitec, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

33°55′23.082″S 18°52′11.581″E / 33.92307833°S 18.86988361°E / -33.92307833; 18.86988361

56 Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red river gum) Wilgenhof Grandfather Large tree planted about 130 years ago, and now a landmark. Height: 30.8 m
Stem size: 8.5 m
Crown size: 28.1 m & 28.4 m
269 Wilgenhof Residence, Victoria Street, Universiteitsoord, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

33°56′3.241″S 18°51′47.689″E / 33.93423361°S 18.86324694°E / -33.93423361; 18.86324694

57 Adansonia digitata (Baobab) The King of Ga-Ratjeke Newly discovered and one of the big 5 biggest indigenous trees in South Africa. Height: 23.5 m
Stem size: 24.15 m; 7.85 m & 2.14 m
Crown size: 34.4 m & 30.8 m
383 Ga-Ratjeke Village, Limpopo

23°29′54.922″S 30°30′6.436″E / 23.49858944°S 30.50178778°E / -23.49858944; 30.50178778

58 Quercus robur (English oak) Akkerdraai Oak Tree Large Oak tree, possibly older than 175 years. Prominent landmark. Height: 28 m
Stem size: 6.1 m
Crown size: 26 m
198 Akkerdraai Lodge, Annandale Road, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

33°59′48.508″S 18°49′46.516″E / 33.99680778°S 18.82958778°E / -33.99680778; 18.82958778

59 Eucalyptus grandis; Eucalyptus maculata (Rose gum, Spotted gum) Gum Tree Corner Group of exceptionally large gum trees. Height: 58 m
Stem size: 6.16 m
Crown size: 41.2 m
521 KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden, Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal
60 Sequoia sempervirens (Californian redwood) Misty Grove A stand of tall Sequoia trees planted about 80 years ago. Height: 59 m
Stem size: 3.4 m circ
Crown size: 18 m
260 Woodbush Plantation, Haenertsburg, Limpopo

23°59.121′S 29°59.354′E / 23.985350°S 29.989233°E / -23.985350; 29.989233

61 Eucalyptus saligna (Saligna gum) "Saasveld Sentinels" Large Eucalyptus landmark trees at the scenic Saasveld campus. Height: 1) 35 m 2) 39 m
Stem size: 1) 5.49 m 2) 4.61 m
Crown size: 1) 29.6 m 2) 34.2 m
276 Saasveld Campus of Nelson Mandela University, Western Cape

33°57′43.4160″S 22°32′06.6480″E / 33.962060000°S 22.535180000°E / -33.962060000; 22.535180000

62 Populus deltoides (Cottonwood tree) The Parktown Tree The largest Cottonwood tree measured locally, and a remnant of the semi-rural surroundings of Johannesburg which are now built up. Height: 35 m
Crown size: 28.07 m
238 5a 10th Avenue, Parktown North, Gauteng

26°08′22.6″S 28°01′29.0″E / 26.139611°S 28.024722°E / -26.139611; 28.024722

63 Pinus pseudostrobus (False Weymouth pine) The Three Matrons The largest pine trees in Limpopo, planted in 1914 (109–110 years old). Height: 1) 49.2 m 2) 50.3 m
Stem size: 1) 4.93 m 2) 4.26 m
Crown size: 1) 24.35 m 2) 16.7 m
304 (Tree 1); 239 (Tree 2) Woodbush Forest Estate, Limpopo

23°50′35.6280″S 29°59′03.2640″E / 23.843230000°S 29.984240000°E / -23.843230000; 29.984240000

64 Ficus macrophylla (Moreton bay fig) The Zoo Giant Large landmark tree near the entrance of the Pretoria Zoo. Height: 27 m
Stem size: 11.94 m
Crown size: 39.7 m & 43.1 m
339 National Zoological Gardens, Pretoria, Gauteng

25°44′16.4000″S 28°11′20.6300″E / 25.737888889°S 28.189063889°E / -25.737888889; 28.189063889

65 Pinus taeda (Loblolly pine) The Buffelsnek Pine Tallest pine tree measured in South Africa. Height: 60.1 m
Crown size: 18 m
279 Buffelsnek State Forest, Knysna, Western Cape

33°54′28.5500″S 23°09′17.4000″E / 33.907930556°S 23.154833333°E / -33.907930556; 23.154833333

66 Ficus sycomorus (Sycamore fig) "The iLembe Tree" Very large tree in rural landscape, known as a local landmark from a century ago. Height: 23 m
Stem size: 11.49 m & 2.66 m & 12.12 m (23.55 m just below 1.4 m)
Crown size: 39.24 m & 32.25 m
318 iLembe District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal

28°52′50.7000″S 30°58′58.7280″E / 28.880750000°S 30.982980000°E / -28.880750000; 30.982980000

67 Cussonia spicata (Lowveld cabbage tree) "The Kurisa Forest Giant" An imposing giant forest tree. Height: 35 m
Stem size: 11.65 m
Crown size: 22 m
316 Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge, Limpopo

23°28′51.4920″S 29°24′00.0480″E / 23.480970000°S 29.400013333°E / -23.480970000; 29.400013333

68 Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) The Waterkloof Giant Largest landmark tree of the eastern Pretoria suburbs. Remnant of a plantation taken over by suburban development. Height: 34 m
Stem size: 6.783 m
Crown size: 33.72 m & 34.82 m
292 Waterkloof Primary School, Pretoria, Gauteng

25°46′40.7600″S 28°14′29.1700″E / 25.777988889°S 28.241436111°E / -25.777988889; 28.241436111

69 Adansonia digitata (Baobab) Buffelsdrift baobab or Swartwater baobab One of the five largest baobabs in the country. Height: 28.4 m
Stem size: 24.55 m
Crown size: 29.11 m
336 Farm Swartwater, Limpopo

22°30′50.9400″S 28°07′58.7640″E / 22.514150000°S 28.132990000°E / -22.514150000; 28.132990000

70 Afrocarpus falcatus (Outeniqua yellowwood) The Blouberg Big Trees Among the tallest indigenous forest trees in the country. Height: 41 m
Stem size: 5.2 m
Crown size: 31 m
293 Blouberg, Limpopo

23°05′08.8440″S 29°00′08.7120″E / 23.085790000°S 29.002420000°E / -23.085790000; 29.002420000

71 Ficus macrophylla (Moreton bay fig) The Kindergarten Giant Large landmark tree at the UCT campus. Height: 25 m
Stem size: 16 m
Crown size: 41 m
361 University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape

33°57′31.1500″S 18°27′28.5800″E / 33.958652778°S 18.457938889°E / -33.958652778; 18.457938889

72 Ficus thoningii (Common wild fig) The Vygekraal Trees A scenic grove of large trees growing on the walls of a cattle kraal built in the late nineteenth century Height: 23 m
Stem size: 5.02 m
Crown size: 2.,6 m
155 The farm Vygekraal, Pretoria, Gauteng
73 Eucalyptus grandis(rose gume) The Satico Giants Stand of second-tallest trees in the country, planted in 1938 (85–86 years old) Height: 72.3 m
Stem size: 3.29 m
Crown size: 16.5 m
301 Satico Plantation,

near Louw's Creek, Mpumalanga

74 Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) Exceptionally large gum tree Height: 72.3 m
Stem size: 3.29 m
Crown size: 16.5 m
The farm Radyn near Villliersdorp,
Western Cape
75 Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay fig) The Fernwood Trees Landmark trees of the same vintage as the Arderne Garden trees (about 160 years old) Height: 27.5 m
Stem size: 3.29 m
Crown size: 45.5 m
322 Fernwood Avenue, Newlands, Cape Town, Western Cape
76 Cinnamomum camphora (camphor tree) The Hohenhort Grove Grove of camphor trees of about 250 years old growing behind cellars on a historic farmyard. Height: 24 m
Stem size: 9.48 m
Crown size: 18.9 m
151 Cellar Hohenort Hotel, Brommesvlei Road, Constantia, Cape Town, Western Cape
77 Eucalyptus globulus (blue red gum) The Welbedacht Tree Landmark tree on private nature reserve. Height: 37.5 m
Crown size: 29.8 m
330 Welbedacht Reserve, Tulbagh, Western Cape
78 Sequoia sempervirens (Californian redwood) Hogsback Redwood Giants Grove of large redwood trees planted almost a century ago. Height: 55 m
Crown size: 13.2 m
309 Hogsback, Eastern Cape
79 Quercus suber (cork oak) Ina Paarman Oak Tree on the property of Mrs Ina Paarman of food condiments fame, planted in the mid-19th century. Height: 22.7 m
Crown size: 32.6 m
157 Constantia Main Road, Constantia, Western Cape
80 Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) Houwhoek Inn Tree Large tree planted in the mid-19th century at the oldest hotel in the country. (1850[7]) Height: 27 m

Crown size: 26.8 m

250 Off the N2 road, Grabouw, Western Cape
81 Eucalyptus saligna (saligna gum) Merensky Lane Scenic lane of trees planted by Hans Merensky on the Westfalia Estate in the 1930s. Height: 69 m
Crown size: 21.5 m
404 Westfalia Estate, Modjadjiskloof, Limpopo
82 Eucalyptus diversicolor (Karri gum) Boschendal Lane Lane of exceptionally large trees planted more than two centuries ago. Height: 50.4 m
Crown size: 33.6 m
483 Boschendal Estate, Helshoogte Road, Western Cape
83 Sequoia sempervirens (Californian redwood) The Harkerville Giants Tall and scenic redwoods planted in 1925 (98–99 years ago). Height: 48 m Harkerville State Forest, Garden Route National Park, Western Cape
84 Ficus elastica (rubber tree) The Company's Garden Giant Large tree forming a focal point to the entry to the Company's Gardens. Height: 36.7 m Company's Garden, Cape Town, Western Cape
85 Ficus sur (broom cluster fig) The Sabie River Giant Very large tree along the Sabie River. Height: 34.5 m Sabie Park Nature Reserve, Limpopo
86 Ficus thonningii (common wild fig) The Whisper Tree or Fluisterboom [af] Very large tree in the grounds of a guesthouse. Estimated to be more than 200 years old. Height: 17 m Voëlroepersfontein Guest House, Albertinia, Western Cape

34°12′21.7″S 21°34′56.5″E / 34.206028°S 21.582361°E / -34.206028; 21.582361

87 Eucalyptus viminalis (manna gum tree) The Frankfort Big Trees Two very large landmark trees on a farm near the Vaal Dam. Height: 33.0 m The farm Brakwal, Grootdam-Alma 1440, Frankfort, Free State
88 Eucalyptis saligna The Dwarsrivierkloof Lane A lane of very large landmark trees on a farm, planted more than 150 years ago. Height: 60.4 m The farm Dwarsrivierkloof, Winelands District Municipality,

Western Cape

89 Adansonia digitata (baobab) The Honnet Giant One of the five biggest baobab in South Africa. Height: 16 m Honnet Nature Reserve, Tshipise, Limpopo
90 Corymbia ficifolia (red flowering gum) The Wolfskloof Tree Very large landmark tree on a farm; 170 years old. Height: 34.5 m Wolfkloof Farm, Robertson District, Western Cape
91 Ficus anulata (Anulata fig) The Durban Big Tree Very large and rare landmark tree in botanical garden. Height: 33 m Durban Botanic Gardens, Kwa-Zulu Natal
92 Ficus benghalensis (Banyan tree) The Durban Banyan Tree Very large landmark tree in botanical garden. Height: 31 m Durban Botanic Gardens, Kwa-Zulu Natal
93 Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River red gum) The Plaisir de Merle Trees Grove of very large trees. Height: 37.2 m Plaisir de Merle, Simondium, Western Cape

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ As proclaimed in 1985 under the War Graves and National Monuments Act of 1969 (Act No 28 of 1969) - now replaced by the National Heritage Resources Act of 1999 (Act No 25 of 1999)
  2. ^ a b c d Planted more than a century ago by John Arderne and his son.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c Golding, J.S.; Geldenhuys, C.J. (2003). Methods and procedures for the selection of Champion trees in South Africa for protection in terms of the National Forests Act (1998) (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 June 2022. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ "Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development > Branches > Forestry & Natural Resources Management > Forestry Regulation & Oversight > Sustainable Forestry > Champion Trees". www.nda.agric.za. Retrieved 25 June 2022.
  3. ^ "DECLARED LIST OF CHAMPION TREES" (PDF). November 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 December 2021. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  4. ^ "CHAMPION TREES OF SOUTH AFRICA" (PDF). 2016.
  5. ^ "STATE OF THE FORESTS REPORT" (PDF). Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. 2018. Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  6. ^ Rossouw, Heleen. "Iconic champion tree topples: 25-metre tall Turkish oak collapses in Claremont". News24. Retrieved 22 January 2024.
  7. ^ "Since 1779". Houw Hoek Hotel. Retrieved 21 August 2024.