Karree

The Karree is widespread in the east of Namibia, growing mainly in the Kalahari Desert region. It is a small to medium-sized (2-9m) evergreen tree, that grows with a single or multi-stem, topped with a loose, drooping, rounded crown. The bark is rough, grooved and dark brown. The leaves are compound with 3 long, slender, leathery leaflets, up to 150 x 12mm. They are dark olive-green in colour above and paler beneath. The small, greenish-yellow flowers bloom in clusters and male and female flowers grow on separate trees. The fruits of the Karree are small, roundish and glossy brown.

Livestock and game browse the leaves and the fruits are a favourite with birds. The timber is hard and durable, and is used for fence posts. The Karree is a hardy and popular garden and street tree, and can be easily grown from seed or cuttings. Its desert habitat confirms its drought and frost resistant qualities.