Aburi gardens – How a tree is slowly murdered

Yes that right a tree was literally murdered here and it was no short death. Over a hundred years ago in 1906 a Afzelia Africana tree stood proud and tall until a parasitic plant attacked it, and basically strangled it to death.

The parasite then took its place. This was a slow process and it wasn’t until 1936 that the parasite had finally taken over the whole tree including the roots.Thirty years!

Today the tree is completely hollow and is a major attraction in the gardens.

The Aburi gardens have not always been a botanical gardens. They were established by the British in 1896 on what was then the site of a sanatorium for Government officials.

Today the gardens cover 64.8 hectares and at an altitude of over 400 meters you will not only enjoy a lovely view of Accra’s coastal plain but appreciate the cooler weather. You will be greeted at the entrance by a guide who will take you round and explain the various plants and trees.

I was surprised to find out that there is actually a curry tree. You will also find that a good many celebrities have planted trees in the gardens over the years including the Queen of England. As if!.

A couple of interesting attractions are the helicopter.

The carved tree which is still a work in progress and as you can see it represents people moving upwards. .

The travelers palm which originates from Madagascar.

Tinyteddy’s feedback: “Trees are not a teddy s natural habitat so I wasn’t up to any climbing despite the guides best effort and i might add amusement to get me up a tree, however I did like the way they found me the little niche in the carved tree. Perfect fit! Heck don’t you just love that palm tree walkway in the featured image”