ROOTING FOR TREES IN THE MOTHER CITY

De Waal Park in Oranjezicht is beloved by Capetonians for the natural oasis it provides in an otherwise bustling city.

Part of its attraction lies in the 630 trees planted over the years, many of which are indigenous additions donated by the Friends of De Waal Park association.

Now, thanks to an initiative by plant enthusiast Tielman Haumann (pictured, top), you can pick up a tree route map (R10) at the Bandstand on your way in and take yourself on a tour of the park’s most impressive trees.

The map is numbered (1 – 38) and each tree has a corresponding black plaque. Green story tags and QR codes provide interesting facts about the tree. For example, the seeds of the carob tree are so consistent in mass (200 mg each) that they were used as a standard unit of measurement by ancient Arab traders to weigh gold and gemstones!

Where? The self-guided tour starts at the northwest entrance to the park, on the corner of Molteno Road and Camp Street in Oranjezicht. Map? If the Bandstand isn’t open, contact Tielman on 082 452 8085 and arrange to collect a map from him directly.

Tielman also offers guided plant tours at 4 pm on Sunday afternoons, starting at Van Riebeeck Park in Oranjezicht. Contact him for more information.