Celebrity Tree Planting continues at the arboretum with the latest one being Morgan Tsvangirai planting an African Walnut with Joy Burch.
ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Joy Burch, today joined The Honourable Morgan Tsvangirai, Prime Minister of the Republic of Zimbabwe, in a ceremonial tree planting at the National Arboretum Canberra.
“An African Walnut was planted today to represent our commitment to strengthening the relationship between our two countries and, in particular, the ties between the people of the ACT and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe,” Ms Burch said.
“The African Walnut is an attractive tree with a wide spreading, densely branched, rounded crown. It is native to the southern parts of Africa and can be found on the banks of rivers and streams in Zimbabwe.
“Not only is the African Walnut an exceptional ornamental tree, it also has a number of other uses. The bark is used to treat heartburn and hangovers; it can also be used as a dye and the wood is of good quality suitable for furniture making. In colder regions such as Canberra, the tree is deciduous, losing its leaves for a short period in winter. In Spring the tree produces rich, deep red flowers in masses which attract nectar feeding birds.”
Apparently despite these many stirling qualities it does not actually produce walnuts, and is also known as the Tigerwood despite not producing any tigers either. (apologies to @elerimai)