Aloidendron dichotomum (Masson) Klopper & Gideon F.Sm.
Quiver tree
Aloidendron dichotomum, known as the kokerboom or quiver tree, is one of the world's most iconic tree-aloes. Its name derives from the San people's (Bushmen) use of its hollow branches as quivers to store their arrows. It grows in the arid Karoo and semi-deserts of Namibia and the Northern Cape of South Africa, where it can reach 7–9 metres tall. Its trunk is covered in golden flaking bark and branches divide dichotomously in a characteristic pattern. In the austral winter it produces striking yellow flower racemes that attract sunbirds. It is a landscape icon: the Quiver Tree Forest (Kokerboom Woud) near Keetmanshoop, Namibia, is one of the most photographed tourist sites in Africa.
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© Derek Keats, Wikimedia Commons
CC BY 2.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Aloidendron |
| Growth Habit | Succulent tree with a solitary trunk and regular dichotomous branching; open, spherical crown formed by terminal rosettes. Slow growing: 20–40 cm per year under optimal conditions. |
| Conservation Status | Near Threatened (NT) – IUCN; declining due to climate change (Karoo warming) and habitat loss |
| pH Target | 6,5 – 8,0 |
| Type | Rocky, very porous, nutrient-poor soil; decomposed quartzite, granite or shale. Perfect drainage essential. |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Lanceolate leaves 25–35 cm, glaucous, with small horny marginal teeth, grouped in dense terminal rosettes at the tip of each bifurcation.
ecoTubular golden-yellow flowers 3–4 cm, in erect conical racemes 30–50 cm on branched peduncles. Winter flowering (June–August), abundant nectar for sunbirds and bulbuls.
ecoSingle cylindrical trunk up to 1 m in diameter at the base, covered with golden-silver bark that peels in irregular plates, giving a characteristic scaly appearance. Spongy wood with large water-storage capacity.
ecoShallow but very laterally extensive root system, adapted to capture scarce Karoo rainfall and store water in the parenchymatous tissue of the trunk.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Rocky, very porous, nutrient-poor soil; decomposed quartzite, granite or shale. Perfect drainage essential.
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Sow fresh seeds in pure mineral substrate (90% fine gravel, 10% leaf mould).
- 2 Maintain temperature of 25–30 °C with low ambient humidity.
- 3 Avoid overwatering: the seedling is extremely sensitive to rot.
- 4 Transplant to an individual pot when it reaches 5–8 cm tall (1–2 years).
T
Watering in winter (the species' natural dry season).
Every 4–5 years in juveniles; adults prefer not to be transplanted.
Once a year in spring with very diluted mineral fertilizer (NPK 5-10-10). Never fertilize in winter.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
No significant toxicity known for humans or pets. Latex may cause mild irritation on sensitive skin.
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Plant Health
Basal rot from overwatering: the greatest risk in cultivation. Use pure mineral substrate and water extremely sparingly.
Mealybug on terminal rosettes: treat with neem oil or systemic imidacloprid.
Damage from prolonged frost (below –5 °C): protect with garden fleece or overwinter in cold regions.
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"Recent studies (Foden et al., 2007) document the altitudinal and southward range shift of kokerboom populations in response to climate warming, making it one of the first species to show documented climate change response in southern Africa. The Keetmanshoop Quiver Tree Forest harbours over 250 specimens and was a candidate for UNESCO Natural Heritage status."
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Scientific Integrity
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.