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(Myrtacaea: Eucalyptus diversiclour)
Karri Gum
Alternate common name
Karriebloekom (Afrikaans)
The Boschendal wine estate perfectly positioned in the fertile mountain valleys and popular amongst wine lovers in the cape. The name Boschendal broken into Bos-en-Dal, or wood and valley, reveals this breathtakingly beautiful area, Situated between the Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountains. We were heading towards the Winelands, approximately one hour outside Cape Town. Passing Stellenbosch and on the way to Franschhoek, this is South Africas second oldest wine estate, dating back to 1685. Boschendal is a place were generations of families have worked and steeped in history, with its dated heritage buildings and manor houses, we were automatically transformed back in time.
With a host of activities, guests staying in the cottages can enjoy farm living and access to hiking trails, MTB trails, horse riding, cellar tours and wine tasting to name but a few.
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We visited on a warm sunny summers day excited by the prospect of yet another encounter with some magnificent trees. Tree hunting is exciting as one never quite know what to expect. We were only day visitors, so access to the farm would be limited. We had no knowledge as to where to locate the trees on the estate. Luck was on our side, and after some negotiating with the manager on duty, we were escorted to the now-famous Boscendal Lane.
A huge lane of Karri Gum trees lines the road to the old manor house on the estate. This grove of trees is estimated to be over two centuries old and recorded as the tallest trees in the country by virtue of their overall size index. Standing a staggering 50,4m tall and with a crown measuring an impressive 33,6m these are gigantic beasts indeed. What makes these Champions more impressive is the number of trees that form a wall-like fortress with more than twenty trees dominating the landscape.
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We were under an escort, so we did not get enough time to connect with these colossal giants, but this gives us more reason to return to savour some quiet quality time in their presence. Who knows we may book a cottage and spend the weekend enjoying this magnificent wine estate and all the magic that it has to offer. Could not think of anything better than watching the sunset and sipping on some of the finest wines in the country right here amongst this splendour.
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| (The Boschendal Lane Champion Karri Gum Trees) |
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