Yellowwood is South Africa’s national tree. It is found extensively in the ravine or valley forests of the Drakensberg. This tree has been present for 100 million years and is thus ‘primaeval’ or from the earliest of time.
They can grow to a height of 40 metres and a diameter of 3 metres. Yellowwood has grey bark that is deeply split and peels off in strips. It has multiple leathery, long and. Thin green leaves.
The wood of this tree has been extensively exploited. This was certainly the case before the Drakensberg was declared a World Heritage Site. It produces excellent furniture.