Arbour month: AfriForum plants approximately 7 000 trees over seven years

AfriForum celebrates arbour month, which starts on 1 September, and have already donated 500 karee trees (Searsia lancea, previously the Rhus genus) to AfriForum branch management members. Over the past seven years the civil rights organisation has planted approximately 7 000 trees and will plant more across the country during the month of September.

According to Chris Boshoff, AfriForum’s Coordinator for Environmental Affairs, the initiative forms part of an attempt to ensure the future for generations to come. People across South Africa celebrate Arbour Day on 1 September, but AfriForum wants to dedicate the entire month of September to the planting of trees. Altogether 130 AfriForum branches nationally aim to plant more than 2 000 trees during this month.

“By planting indigenous trees we are not only busy conserving the environment, but also show that we have hope for the future. To ultimately let South Africa flourish, we must all do our part and continue to build – to the benefit of everyone in the country,” says Boshoff.

AfriForum annually focusses on a commonly occurring tree species and a rare tree species. The common tree for 2018 is the yellowwood tree (Podocarpus latifolius) and the rare tree is the shepherd’s tree (Boscia albitrunca). AfriForum encourages towns to plant indigenous trees that will thrive in their specific area.

“AfriForum encourages communities nationwide to take part in arbour month and to make a lasting difference in their environment,” Boshoff concludes.

AfriForum thanks Wildflower Wholesale Nursery for their donation of indigenous trees to all AfriForum branches. Feel free to visit their website at www.wildflowernursery.co.za.