Welcome to our website!

We invite all tree lovers to use this free website! It is a major Citizen science initiative to encourage more people to discover the pleasures of identifying indigenous trees and enjoying their seasonal- and life-growth cycles, throughout our diverse country. TreeListers contains an online list of 1 273 indigenous trees.

Why should I join TreeListers?

On this website you record species you have seen, on My TreeList. It takes one click of a button to record each species. By creating online sightings on this website your list is automatically compared and ranked with other TreeListers users, and saved for you to access and transfer elsewhere if you choose to. You do not have to belong to any society or group to join TreeListers, anyone can start a list. You can choose any group with which to compare your sightings, or choose to keep it private by not selecting any of the group options.

Who is our top Lister?

Do you have the most trees listed in a province?

Come and find out on the Rankings page! On the TreeListers’ Rankings page, you can compare your discoveries with other users within each group chosen by you on your profile page.

Do I have to know scientific names?

No! Species can be added with the list driven by English or Afrikaans or Scientific Botanical names. Moreover, all the Tree Lists on the website are shown in two languages, chosen and interchangeable at any time by the user. In the Search function on the edit My TreeList page, the species can be searched for by any commonly used name over the past 25 years in Scientific Botanical, English and Afrikaans and other commonly known vernacular names.

Do I have to remember where I saw it?

Or have a photo??

Again no. Each tick registers for RSA ranking, and then, if you wish to, you can also specifically tick the province/s in which you saw the species. There is no verification process. It is an honour system for enjoyment and challenge.

What if I want to add new species to my list?

You can update My TreeList at any time, if there is an internet connection.

Which species are listed in TreeListers?

The TreeListers base includes 1 273 species that reach 3 m or more within the borders of South Africa. However, a few species that do not grow quite as tall were also included. These species are highly visible or ubiquitous species – especially in relatively treeless places e.g. Three-thorn Rhigozum, Driedoring, Rhigozum trichotomum. Or they are well-known and visible due to their flowers, like Plumbago, Blousyselbos, Plumbago auriculata and Winter Impala-lily, Impalalelie, Adenium multiflorum.

How were the TreeListers species chosen?

The listed species were all verified by the Botanical Database of Southern Africa (BODATSA) and/or the tree list of the Dendrological Society of South Africa.

The Scientific names follow the latest names listed in BODATSA.

The Afrikaans names follow 98% of the Dendrological Society listings. The few exceptions are where authoritative, carefully researched bodies of work have been applied to a group of plants e.g the Proteacea, and names have been allocated by that group.

The English names are the most relevant, current names that can be part of modern computer listings, by being largely binomial to include genus. To compile the English name list, the TreeListers’ botanical team scoured highly reputable published (public/citizen) books, articles and websites including PlantZafrica, Red List of South African Plants, other SANBI sources as well as the Dendrological Society list.

Are there any planned updates?

Yes!

The creation of your own personal groups as a Search Group is in process. This will only be live for users who have been given the specific link. You apply by email at Admin@treelisters.co.za to be given a link to create your own group, and also given instructions as to how it works.

The listed tree species will be expanded to include more subspecies and varieties for species that have multiple subspecies/varieties within South Africa.

A mechanism will be set up where you can choose to be available, or not, for queries via email, from other participants re a specific species you have listed. If you wish to make enquiries you will be required to receive them from others, for a specified period.

How do I contact TreeListers SA?

Please note this entire initiative is new and is a site where everyone can enjoy being interactive around indigenous trees.
We welcome any input.
There are no insiders or outsiders. Everyone is welcome.
Contact: Admin@treelisters.co.za

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