[b.van_der_dylan]

no 1 is an Acacia sieberiana, a real classic African tree. this one has a flat top and its bark peels like paper, hence its common name paperbark thorn

no 2 is the wild medlar (Vangueria infausta). Not what you would call a beautiful or spectacular tree. No the reason I hold this tree in such high regard is it has IMO the best wild fruits of all the African trees.

[fgates]

I really like the compositions and colours. No. 1 really makes me want to be there. The only thing missing is the zebras

Fred

[PBugJulie]

Dylan - How wonderful those images are! Thank you for them. Being a plant geek as well as a picgeek, I know that tree as A. amboensis, an older synonym.
Found some other great things about this classic tree FYI:

"It is a favourite nesting site for many birds - in valley bushveld areas, Pied and Crested Barbets make their nesting holes in this tree. Wood-hoopoes often scratch around under the loose bark for insects. Grey Hornbills crack the pods open and eat the seeds.

The flowers lure beetles, bees, butterflies and thrips, in turn attracting insectivorous birds (e.g. Bar-throated Apalis, White-bellied, Black and Collared Sunbirds). The pods have a musty scent (like old socks!) and are eaten by cattle and game (said to taint a cow's milk). They contain hydrocyanic acid, so the quantities fed to livestock should be limited (also quantities of wilted leaves).

Uses and cultural aspects
In Central Africa, a bark/root decoction is used for inflammation of the urinary passages. Leaf, bark and resin are used as an astringent for colds/chest problems, diarrhoea, haemorrhage and eye inflammation. In Tanzania, bark is used to treat gonorrhoea. The edible gum is a good adhesive. Twine from the inner bark is used for threading beads."

Your second image of the Vangueria infausta, really isn't a "medlar" as we in NA or the UK know as medlars. It's more a wild medlar, and I have heard the fruits are delicious, as you mention. I have read the shrubs have "powers" of some kind.

Great to see!
Best,
PBug

[b.van_der_dylan]

thnaks Fred and PBug

great post there PBUG.I wasn't familiar with the older synonym - A. amboensis.The world of the plant taxonomist is mindboggling .In fact thats how I discovered the wonderful world of photography through trying to learn more about our plants by photographing leafs,flowers,bark to learn the ID of the tree.

Not sure about the powers of Vangueria infausta but there is another interesting fact. This tree is never ever cut down in our parts. Believed to be very bad luck to do so.Also legend has it that it was the favourite fruit of Dr Livingstone

cheers Andrew

[Charlotte]

Very pleasant images Andrew

[b.van_der_dylan]

thanks Charlotte, glad you liked them.

[Ali]

Both striking images, I particularly like the 1st. Good stuff

[marcinklysewicz]

b.van_der_dylan this time composition on that first one is perfect, and it's really nice photo. i don't like second one (only background is nice).

[Boofers]

Good post and story's Andrew and Julie, the top tree is one of my favorites also, I took it that you just liked these two trees,,"you can get attached to them" I remember seeing the top one in a golden sunset tone before.

Boofers