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What Are Grassland Trees?

Trees are rare sights in the various grassland biomes of the world, scattered amongst the infinitely more prevalent species of low-growing grasses. Naturally occurring events in the grassland, including fires and droughts, prevent trees from dominating the habitat. The few which survive are well-adapted and undoubtedly useful when they occur, offering lookout points for birds on the hunt or shade for grounded wildlife.

Thorn Trees
- A familiar presence spotting the African grassland landscape is an umbrella thorn acacia, named for its flattened crown of growth. It withstands temperatures as high 122 degrees Fahrenheit and lows far below freezing. The umbrella thorn grows mainly in sand dunes and rocky terrain where it grows two sets of roots to attain water in the driest of periods. The umbrella thorn can reach nearly 70 feet in height, providing shade for many grassland animals. The whistling thorn can also be seen on the African grassland, especially the Serengeti, growing up to 18 feet tall and bearing an assortment of sharp thorns which ward off predators. Populations of stinging ants make their homes in bulbous spines on the tree, piercing these shelters with small holes that create a whistling noise when the wind blows.
Baobab Trees
- Baobabs are another grassland tree native to Africa. These large trees, as large as 80 feet tall, have massively wide trunks up to 30 feet in diameter. The distinct branches of the baobab resemble bending roots, spawning ancient myths of the baobab as an uprooted, upside-down tree. The baobab has had a long existence, with some specimens known to be 2,000 years old. Animals in the savanna benefit from the fruit of the baobab tree as well as its edible young roots and leaves. Even dead baobab trees provide assistance to animals; hollow trunks easily become shelter.
Candelabra Tree
- Native to equatorial grasslands such as those of Africa and the East Indies, candelabra trees are aptly named for their concentrated, upward growth of many branches from a single trunk. The candelabra tree can reach 40-foot heights and produces small yellow flowers in winter. Its mysterious beauty is deceiving, though, as the tree is extremely poisonous. Even minimal skin exposure with the candelabra trunk can be painful, and direct contact with its sap can cause skin blisters and blindness if sap enters the eyes. Fortunately, animals steer clear due to the candelabra's spiny branches. Its deterring properties make the candelabra tree useful as a living fence, turning away both people and animals.
Eucalyptus Trees
- Australia's jarrah eucalyptus has a tall, branchless trunk of up to 160 feet. Jarrahs thrive in dry Australian grassland. It can root in rocky soil or sand due to long roots which extract water from the ground's depths even during droughts. Each jarrah tree has a large underground growth which stores carbohydrates, allowing the tree to replenish in the likely event of a grassland fire. Animals of the biome use the jarrah as a home and a food source. Another native Australian eucalyptus, the rose mallee, produces large, intricate red flowers, great amounts of nectar and a woody fruit attracting insects and mammals alike.

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