At The Wilds in Johannesburg resides a remarkable testament to nature’s resilience. The “Sideways Tree” is a Bushwillow that beautifully defies gravity as it rests mere centimetres above the ground after surviving a terrible storm six years ago.
Johannesburg, South Africa (26 January 2025) – Mother Nature is a constant marvel brimming with beauty and wonder all around us. And when you take a moment from the hustle and bustle of life to slow down and pay her some attention, you truly discover not only how magnificent she is but how there is so much inspiration and strength to draw from her.
One such example, out of the many, can be found in the heart of Giraffe Lawn, situated at The Wilds, a nature reserve in Johannesburg. There lies a large and absolutely stunning tree anchored to the ground with only, but a few persevering roots as its massive truck and leafy branches lie dramatically on its side, just a few mere centimetres off the ground. Now fondly known as the sideways tree!
So the tale goes that six years ago, in February 2019, it rained and poured, and a lovely Bushwillow (Combretum erythrophyllum) collapsed. But its roots remained in the ground, stretched to the max.
Intrigued by the usual sight, Delaney consulted various gardeners and arborists, including from the Brenthurst gardens next door.
“The thinking was, support it, and it may survive,” he shares.
“So, we trimmed all the low branches off to lighten its load, and packed soil over the exposed roots to prevent them snapping. It worked!”
The sideways tree has become a favourite of visitors to The Wilds.
“It seems very happy, and has started to make roots from where the branch meets the ground,” Delaney adds.
The images alone are enough to make anyone stop and admire nature’s tenacity. When collapsing could have been so much easier, this tree adapted and continued to grow and now thrives, offering a heartwarming lesson of resilience for all of us!
Sources: Delaney Artist
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