Living Legends & Champion Trees

The concept of “Living Legends” originated in the UK as a way to venerate and protect ancient trees. Here in Namibia we have many beautiful indigenous trees that have survived the ravages of time in our harsh Namibian climate for many years. To honour and protect these heroes the “Champion Trees of Namibia” Project is being initiated. Your support in this endeavour is invaluable.

Trees are of vital importance for many reasons. Here in Namibia they are especially important in the harsh and arid areas in which they grow. Certain individual trees stand out as having had a particularly hard life and yet have survived. The idea of Living Legends in Namibia is to pay tribute to these amazing trees, to draw people’s attention to them and to share with others so that we may all stand in awe of the resilience of these individuals. Some people are lucky enough to travel widely and meet amazing trees that the rest of us may not have the privilege to see.

We encourage all members of the society to send in photos of amazing trees they encounter to: nambotsoc@gmail.com

Nominate a CHAMPION TREE by filling in the application form and help safeguard some of Namibia’s most remarkable natural treasures.

BotSoc_ChampionTree_ApplicationForm Download

We celebrate some of our own Living Legends:

A spectacular *Adenia pechuelii* in Damaraland; Elephant’s Foot (E), Wüstenkohlrabi, Elefantenfuß (D), Ombaze yondjou (H).
Photo: F Curschmann

*Welwitschia mirabilis*, an iconic plant. Tweeblaarkanniedood (A), Onyanga (H), !kharos (K).
Photo: B Curtis

Trekker tree, Nyae Nyae conservancy. *Adansonia digitata* Baobab (E), Kremetartboom (A), Affenbrotbaum (D), Omuzu (H), ǂ’Òm (J), ǁAurib (K), ǂ’Om (Kx), Omukwa (O), Euyu (R), Mubuyu (S), Divuyu (T).
Photo: C Snyman

*Cyphostemma currorii*, Kobas (E, A), Botterbaum (A), Butterbaum, Kobasbaum (D) along the D1958 road.
Photo: E Gudde

*Faidherbia albida* Ana Tree (E), Anaboom (A), Anabaum (D), Omue (H), Anas (K), Omuyele (O), Munga (S) in the Kuiseb River.
Photo: B Curtis

*Acacia erioloba* Camel Thorn (E), Kameeldoring (A), Kameldorn(baum) (D), Omumbonde (H), ǀ’Ànà (J), ǁGanab (K), ǁQara (Kx), Omuthiya (O), Musu (R), Muhoto (S), Ghuthu (T) at NamibRand.
Photo: B Curtis

*Ficus cordata* Namaqua Rock Fig (E), Hartvy, Namakwavy (A), Herzfeige (D), Omukuumbwa (H), ǁUis (K) at an Otavi fountain.
Photo: E Gudde

*Adansonia digitata* Baobab (E), Kremetartboom (A), Affenbrotbaum (D), Omuzu (H), ǂ’Òm (J), ǁAurib (K), ǂ’Om (Kx), Omukwa (O), Euyu (R), Mubuyu (S), Divuyu (T).
Photo: J Fourie

Language codes for species common names

Where common names in different languages are given, the following language codes have been used:

E: English
A: Afrikaans
D: Deutch (German)
H: Otjiherero (including Ovahimba)
J: Ju’hoan
K: Khoekhoegowab (Nama/Damara)
Kx: Kxoe
O: Oshiwambo (including all dialects)
R: Rumanyo (including Rukwangali, Gciriku and Shambuyu)
S: Silozi
T: Thimbukushu