Student leaders and management of the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus recently celebrated Arbor Month by planting 40 trees on campus and outside residences.

The campus chose Dias Cotinifolia, also known as the Pompom tree, Basboom in Afrikaans, Intozani in isiXhosa and Intozwane-emnyama in isiZulu. The Pompom tree is also one of this year's trees of the year as declared by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, who is responsible for protecting, conserving and improving the South African environment and natural resources. The other trees of the year are the Peltophorum africunum – African Black wattle, Aloidendron dichotomum – Quiver Tree, and the Aloidendron pillansii – Giant Quiver Tree.

The Pompom tree is an indigenous tree belonging to the Thymelaeaceae family. The tree has its natural home in the eastern part of South Africa, where it grows on the sides of forests, wooded hill slopes and rocky kloofs. It grows only to six metres, and its flowery splendour lasts about three weeks.

Prof Linda du Plessis, the deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations, says the tree was chosen because of its elegance and adaptability to the area's climate.

"It is a beautiful tree with a neat shape, adapts well in very cold areas, and is ideal for the Vanderbijlpark area. It is frost and fairly drought resistant, and it grows fast with non-invasive roots," she adds.

She says this annual tree planting exercise celebrates the beauty and importance of trees. "This exercise is part of greening our campus. Trees have a special value for us as humans - not only do they beautify our environment and provide shade, but they also contribute to a healthier environment and combat global warming.”

Dr Sean McCallaghan, the acting executive director of student life, concurs with Prof Du Plessis. “Trees play an important role in our environment and are a defining feature of our campus landscapes. They create a home-away-from-home environment for our students.”