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Tamboti Tree
Afrikaans name: Tambotie
Tamboti
Photo © Steven Herbert
Spirostachys africana
The Tamboti is a well known tree. It grows to a height of around 10 metres.
The wood of the Tamboti is used to make fine furniture and is much sought after.
Care must be taken not to burn the wood of a Tamboti tree in a braai or camp fire. The fumes given off by the burning wood are poisonous.
Have you ever seen a jumping bean? The jumping bean found in South Africa comes from the fruit of the Tamboti into which a moth has laid an egg. The resulting larvae spring around inside the fruit segments, that have fallen to the ground, causing them to jump.
Leaves of the Tamboti
Photo © Steven Herbert
References and further reading
A site-by-site guide to trees in the Kruger National Park - Author: Marissa Greeff - Year Published: 2017 - Page: 2Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - Author: Piet van Wyk - Year Published: 2008 - Page: 132
Kruger - Portrait of a National Park - Author: David Paynter with Wilf Nussey - Year Published: 1986 - Page: 30
Sappi Tree Spotting: KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape - Author: Val Thomas and Rina Grant - Year Published: 2004? - Page: 176
Sappi Tree Spotting: Lowveld - Author: Jacana - Year Published: 1997 - Page: 208
The Natal Bushveld - Volume 1 - Author: Natal Parks Board - Year Published: 1981 - Page: 73
Wild Issue 32 - Author: - Year Published: 2015 - Page: 82