On 15 August 2011 tree climber, Leon Visser scaled and measured a Sydney gum tree (Eucalyptus saligna), towering at over 80 metres and breaking the previous South African tree height record held by two gum trees, known as the “Twin Giants of Magoebaskloof” by a metre. This tree has also reached a new African tree height record. The Sydney gum tree towers above a stand of gum trees planted in 1906 in the Woodbush Forest Estate in Limpopo province.
The trio of world-class champions may now be called “The Magoebaskloof Triplets”, officially the tallest trees in Africa, and the tallest planted trees in the world. The department protects the entire tree stand as Champion Trees, which is managed by Komatiland Forests.
The tree climb formed part of a tree-measuring expedition organised by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and is sponsored by Stihl South Africa. Three giant Mexican pine trees (Pinus oocarpa) were also climbed, the tallest of which measured at over 50 metres.
These sturdy trees with trunks of just under five metres in circumference, were dubbed “The Three Matrons”. Few pine trees anywhere in the world reach these dimensions. It is estimated that the pine trees, like their gum tree counterparts nearby, are older than a century.
For further information contact:
Mr Steve Galane
Tel: 012 319 7960
Fax:012 319 6943
Cell: 083 635 7346
E-mail: DAIS@daff.gov.za or stevegalane@mtn.blackberry.com
