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This does have a grey trunk, JB. it also has a very beautiful root system that is partially above ground. I notice that the Hoepoes seem to like the tree.

Yep MM i'm now 100% convinced it is some type of Ficus sp.

I took this pic of a bit of MM's tree about a month ago (hope we are on the same tree, she has lots )

It really is a beautiful tree!

Thanks Freda, that is the tree.

Break a leaf from the branch, and look weather some white latex comes out of the leave. If so, you can be 95% sure that this is indeed a fig.

Definately a Ficus, but I suspect this is one that doesn't grow in Kruger but rather something like Ficus Natalensis. (Not sure of that spelling) These were commonly sold by nurseries in MM's area, and they do exremely well here. In fact the roots can be very invasive, getting into plumbing pipes and breaking paving, swimming pools etc... Hope it is in a good spot.

PP, I have to call a plummer in once a year to unblock the drains. The root network above gound is so lovely though.
My biggest problem with the position is that it is a very messy tree and it is constantly dropping seeds into the swimming pool.

Hello,

The following picture is one of my favorit trees in the Kruger.
i've seen it a few times when I was in Kruger with Freda :-)
We think it's on the H7 from Orpen to Satara.

any ideas what tree it is ?
Thanks for your help !

In my opinion this tree is definetly a Sycamore/Common Cluster Fig (Ficus sycamorus).

Sure looks like 1 of the ficus species , but I will go with Ficus burkei - common wild fig , seen as it does not look to be near a river , unless its next to the timbavati , in which case it could also be a ficus sycamorus.

Common wild fig - Grows in wooded grassland , woodland ,ravines and on the edge of forests .
Evergreen up to 15m tall with a rounded to spreading dense crown .

Interesting this is , it grows from small , next to another tree , using that for support and protection, eventually overtaking and killing the first tree .

Ficus sycomorus ? (fruits)
I took these pictures in Kruger NP (Berg en Dale Camp) in october.
Thanks in avance.

Hey welcome to the forums!

I would agree on it being Sycamore Fig!

The origin of the 2 Sycamore trees in Israel is from East Africa probably
There are 2 clones; the red fruiting and the green fruiting ones

There are a few large trees with a huge diameter

The tree was documented in the Bible in the book of the prophet Amos - whose job was to "cut" the fruits and feed the cows.

There are various schools of thoughts about "cutting" the fruits - i.e. making cuts as to induce hormones to increase its size, or to induce ripeness or cut the bunches down from the trees maki it easy for the cows to get it from ground level - as cows unlike goats do not climb trees

People do not grow it in the private gardens as it becomes a giant tree and the fruit bats and the fruit flies feast on the fruits and cause lots of dirt


Ariel
Ariel