Knysna Indigenous Forests

INDIGENOUS FOREST

Between 1777 and 1939 much of our indigenous forests were exploited in the timber trade. Although it’s the largest tract of natural forest in South Africa only 65000Ha of the original forest remains today. The Outeniqua yellowwood or kalander is a true forest giant reaching over 50m in height. Other magnificent specimens are the ironwood and stinkwood trees. Our forests harbour many different species of ferns including the seven week fern, which is prolific in the Tsitsikamma region. Colourful lichens on rocks and tree trunks and many species of mushrooms are also found in profusion