As winter descends upon Londolozi, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation. The once-lush vegetation recedes, and food sources become scarce. However, the Torchwood trees come to life during these cooler months, as the tree’s fruits ripen offering a tasty nutritious treat and sustenance to the ever-hungry elephants during these lean months.
Torchwood trees stand out across the landscape in the winter months as surrounding vegetation thins out.
Have you ever witnessed the majestic sight of an elephant shaking up a torchwood tree?
Patience is often rewarded with spectacular sights here, but there is always a moment of awe and amusement as you watch an elephant lift its trunk, wrap its tusks around a torchwood tree, and begin to shake it until the fruits fall to the ground. While you may have also seen or heard of this behaviour with the more familiar marula trees that fruit in the summer months (and thanks to the popularity of the Ama-choco-chino’s blend that goes down a treat on a chilly winter morning), the torchwood trees are now the flavour of the season.
The Torchwood Tree
The torchwood tree (Balanites maughamii) stands tall with its fluted trunk up to 25m (82ft) making it a significant feature over rolling crests. Also referred to as the greenthorn tree, after the prominent ‘Y’ shaped thorns that attempt to detract browsers, the fruits contain a sticky, resinous substance that is irresistible to elephants, amongst other fruit lovers. It is the good-quality edible oil that also burns a bright flame and the dry kernels that have been used as torches by many local people in historical times that the name Torchwood stems from. Scientifically, Balanites is rooted in the Greek word ‘balanos‘ meaning acorn and referring to the fruit shape while maugahmii refers to RCF Maugham, a British Consul at Lourenço Marques (Maputo) who sent the type specimen to Kew.
I haven’t yet made a torch from the kernels but it is always fun to add a few to the campfire in the evenings.
Beyond the multiple names and its combustible nature, the torchwood tree has numerous traditional uses and medicinal properties that are still valued today. The oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while the bark and leaves are harvested to treat various ailments ranging from infections to digestive issues. Some say the infusion of the bark also makes for a refreshing bath thanks to the moisturising qualities – something I think I might just need to try out. Traditional healers would also use the roots and bark, together with other plants that have been soaked in water and beaten into a froth to ward off any evil spirits.
A Mutually Beneficial Relationship
There are certainly many examples out there but the relationship between elephants and torchwood trees is another great example of symbiosis. As elephants feed on the fruits, they inadvertently assist in the tree’s propagation. When an elephant chews on these fruits, they can exert an extremely large amount of force onto the hard casing around the fruit, exposing the seed. The seeds then, once ingested, pass through the elephants’ digestive systems and are deposited across the landscape through the elephant’s dung. This natural seed dispersal mechanism ensures that new torchwood trees sprout far and wide, promoting the growth and sustainability of the species.
On average, at Londolozi, elephants move between 2 – 4 km (1.2 – 2.5 miles) in a day. Considering that the seeds of the torchwood fruits eaten should pass out after two days, elephants could be responsible for “planting” torchwood trees up to 4 – 8 km (2.4 – 5.0 miles) from the parent tree.
Witnessing the interaction between torchwood trees and elephants reminds us of nature’s incredible balance and complexity. By observing and understanding these relationships, as well as the traditional significance of just one tree, we can deepen our connection to the natural world. This awareness encourages us to appreciate and protect the intricate ecosystems that sustain both wildlife and human culture.
I love the pictures you used in this blog, especially the first one, a shot at night with an elephant.
Elephants are really important shaping, changing, remodeling landscape. As you wrote, the balance and complexity of nature and the interaction of the different species is amazing. If nature was left to its own wisdom, the world would certainly be a better place.
Thanks Christa, I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures. The truly are ecological engineers and it is always a wonder what the world would be like if nature was left to its own.
Hi Kate, I had heard of Balanites but wasn’t aware of detailed qualities of those magnificent trees. I watched several videos in which, after a copious rain, an absolutely charming and incredible flowers and little plants sprout in their splendour. That tree will surely be one of those! Elephants are so strong, it seems there’s nothing they can’t do! Thank you.
My pleasure Francesca, happy you could take away something new about the Balanites:)
What lengths the elephants go to be able to get to the fruits of the trees, being it marulas or torchwoodfruits. Such strength these elephants have and it is quite alarming to see how they shake the trees.
They really are determined to get those fruits Valmai! It really is quite something to watch their strength and intelligence!
Thank you Kelsey for the information on the torchwood trees and the elephants. Symbiotic relationships are everywhere if we would just take the time to look.
Pleasure William! It is always fascinating to dive deeper into these symbiotic relationships
After reading your article Kelsey, I won’t look at the Torchwood trees in quite the same way. I had no idea this tree has so many uses, besides offering elephants a tasty treat. They of course contribute to the environment by providing their dung that ultimately lead to more Torchwood trees. Whilst sitting at the next campfire in the boma, it would be fun to have a few kernels to throw into the fire to see what happens…..
I’m glad you have some new insight into the Torchwood tree Denise! Will certainly have to collect some kernels for your next visit 🙂
Lovely blog.