Common names:
Waboom, Wagon Tree, Blousuikerbos, Bobbejaansuikerbos, Brandhout
Botanical name:
Protea repens
The name Wagon Tree or Waboom (Afrikaans) came about as a result of it’s usefulness in the manufacturing of wagon wheels.
It is often said that the branches of a wagon tree were used for the spokes of wheels. This is not quite the case, especially if one looks at how irregular these branches can grow.
Below are three of the reasons for the name.
1)
The section of a tree from ground level up to it’s first branches, is called the bole. The bole of the Wagon tree is quite dense, since this tree is a very slow grower. Being dense it not only makes for extra longer lasting coals, but these coals also burn at extremely high temperatures as well. This was sought after by the blacksmith industry of yesteryear who made use of the hot coals to forge various metal implements, tools and other domestic and industrial components.
This was perfect for the heating of metal rims of wagon wheels. The process allowed the metal to expand enough before being placed over the timber wheels. Once the metal cooled down and contracted it made for quite a snug fit.
2)
The dense timber was also ideal for the making of brake blocks which were used to slow down the wagons, particularly important on descents.
3)
The bole of this tree was also used to make the hub of a wagon wheel. This hub to which the spokes of the wheel were attached needed to be strong enough to carry the weight of a fully laden wagon.
“Fun by Nature . . . we’ll take you there”.