Quiver Tree Forest "Kokerbooms (Aloe dichotoma), or quiver
trees, are widespread throughout southern Namibian. They belong to the
aloe family and can grow to heights of 8m. The name is derived from their
lightweight branches, which were formerly used as quivers by the San hunters;
they would remove the fibrous heart of the branch, leaving a strong, hollow
tube. The slow-growing kokerbooms occur mainly on rocky plains or
slopes--they need rocks to anchor their shallow root systems--storing water in
their succulent leaves, and fibrous trunk and branches. Water loss through
transpiration is prevented by a waxy coating on the leaves and branches.
In June and July, their yellow blooms appear, lending bright spots of color to
the desert." --Lonely Planet Namibia