Celebrate our ICONS

Trees

Trees

Trees

Trees are described to act like lungs of the earth because they take in Carbon dioxide popularly known as CO2 to make their food and in the process give out Oxygen. Unlike the lungs in humans and other animals that take in oxygen and give out CO2, trees do the opposite.

Unlike the lungs in humans and other animals that take in oxygen and give out CO2, trees do the opposite.

Apart from this vital ecosystem service trees render to us, many trees are sources of food, fruits, medicine, paper, furniture, etc.

In this blog post I will highlight two trees with interesting facts about them including the ecosystem services and products they provide to man.

Two of the 10 iconic trees described to exist in Africa includes:

Baobab: Known as the upside down tree because it’s branches look like a root system. One of the interesting facts of this tree is that it’s flowers bloom at night and are pollinated by bats!

One of the interesting facts of this tree is that it’s flowers bloom at night and are pollinated by bats!

This is definitely a new fact for me. If you knew this before now, comment “Aye” in the comment section below. If this is a new discovery for you too…you can comment “Wow”. Because that was definitely my expression.

If this is a new discovery for you too…you can comment “Wow”. Because that was definitely my expression.

Another interesting fact about this tree is that it could live for thousands of years between 1000 – 2000 years.

And in Northern Nigeria, it is an important ingredient for the soup “Miya Kuka”

Marula: Has gained its popularity because it is the source of the famous liqueur called Amarula Cream.

An interesting fact about this tree is that it’s sweet yellow fruit contains 4 times more of vitamin C than Orange.

How cool is that?

Someone should give me a slice of Marula Fruit and I have my daily dose of Vitamin C.

Another interesting information about this tree is its attachment to African traditions.

For example, a necklace made of dried nuts of the Marula tree is worn as a symbol of love. 😘 In addition this necklace is said to be a cure of diarrhea and nosebleeds in children. Talk of about a tree that meets both adult and children needs 😃😃.

In addition this necklace is said to be a cure of diarrhea and nosebleeds in children. Talk of about a tree that meets both adult and children needs 😃😃.

In urban development, trees serve very important roles in our urban areas. For example,

For example, trees cool our cities, this reminds me of my experience when I traveled to one of the South-western states in Nigeria, the city of Ibadan to be precise.

Those who have been to any of the SW states or any state outside of Plateau State will confirm with me that the microclimate is definitely different from that of Jos Plateau.

While I strolled the streets with some friends of mine, the microclimate we experienced around the University was different. The trees planted in the University cooled the area. As soon as we were a few meters away from the University, we were greeted by the warm microclimate of the other parts with no trees.

The trees planted in the University cooled the area. As soon as we were a few meters away from the University, we were greeted by the warm microclimate of the other parts with no trees.

Yes! Trees cool our cities.

Our experience confirmed the air-conditioning function our forest provides to the planet. Also, studies have shown that the cooling of air by trees can save us $35 million annually.

Also, studies have shown that the cooling of air by trees can save us $35 million annually.

Why would you need to spend your money on getting an air conditioner when you can plant trees at your home, offices, schools, etc. which will only demand a few cents to propagate a tree! (This is based on the current rates between Naira and USD)

With these few points of mine, I believe you now see the many reasons why we should celebrate our trees daily.

Instead of thinking about how you would cut down that whole tree for firewood, you may want to rethink and just trim it’s branches and it will serve the same purpose.

In addition, propagate more trees to sustain your firewood supplies and serve other purposes for you and your family.

Celebrate our Trees

Celebrate Nature

Celebrate our Natural Ecosystem

Photo credit: Photos in the blog post were gotten from Unsplash and Pinterest and designed in Canva

Feature image is a picture of me, Chioma Immculate Okafor at Rennajj Fish Farm