The whitish powder covering this tree's branches
helps to reflect
the hot sun's rays. More about this plant on www.kew.org
Related object in the collection
On display in Room 25
The Quiver tree gets its name from the traditional use of its branches by the indigenous San people to create quivers for their arrows.
Its branches have a soft core which is hollowed out, a hide cap is fitted to each end, then a leather carrying strap completes the production of a durable quiver.
Quiver tree © Richard Wilford, Stephen Ruddy, RBG Kew
Quiver made from wood of the quiver tree © Trustees of the British Museum