4 Ancient Trees from Uganda's Tooro Kingdom
Learn more about the culture of the Tooro community and why trees were so important to the region.
Arboretum aeriel view (2021)Original Source: Tooro Botanical Gardens
Explore the spectacular Tooro region
Tooro is a sub-region located in western Uganda and is contemporaneous with the Tooro Kingdom. The Tooro land includes rainforests, dense bamboo stands, papyrus swamps and plains of elephant grass. Tooro Botanical Gardens conserves ancient trees in the region for their cultural and traditional attachment.
Arboretum inside view (2021)Original Source: Tooro Botanical Gardens
The Tooro Kingdom
The Kingdom has been in existence for over 180 years which started as a chiefdom under the Bunyoro Kitara Empire. The Tooro Kingdom has evolved through three dynasties: Batembuzi, Bachwezi and Babiito. The current King is His Majesty Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukiidi IV.
Zanthoxyllem gillettii (2021)Original Source: Tooro Botanical Gardens
The power of trees in the Tooro Kingdom
Native forests were considered sacred, believed to be home to gods and a source of blessings for the surrounding communities. These forests played a crucial role in supporting agriculture and providing food for the people. It was believed that the sacred gods of these forests controlled the rains, essential for a continuous food supply and the survival of the ancient communities.
Draceania steudneri Dragon tree (2021)Original Source: Tooro Botanical Gardens
Trees and culture in Tooro Kingdom
The traditional and cultural attachment to native trees and the way of life of the ancient people of Tooro create a very rich history of native tree conservation, tourism enrichment and a resource worth merging with conventional conservational science.
Zanthoxylum gilletii (2021)Original Source: Tooro Botanical Gardens
1. East African satinwood - Strength of a household
This is a unique tree that is believed to have supernatural powers and is associated with witchcraft. Families who had this tree on their land were seen as remarkable members of the society. The tree is also believed to chase evil spirits away including night dancers.
Cordia mellinii Drum tree (2021)Original Source: Tooro Botanical Gardens
2. Cordia millenii - Drum tree - An attribute of our music
The tree branches are visually striking as they are staged in a horizontal plane. It is an ideal shade tree. It is used for drums and musical instruments that are essential in different traditional ceremonies in the Tooro Kingdom.
Dragon tree (2021)Original Source: Tooro Botanical Gardens
3. Dracaena steudneri - Dragon tree- The mighty intercession
This tree has been used by the ancient Batooro for different purposes ranging from traditional medicine, ornamental, ceremonial purposes, and religious ceremonies performed at shrines for worshiping the Rubanga god. An intercession mediated by the high priest.
Ficus natalensis - Barkcloth fig branches (2021)Original Source: Tooro Botanical Gardens
4. Bark cloth fig tree-The cultural heritage of humanity
The bark cloth fig trees are planted in boundaries, farms, and banana plantations. Traditionally households would have a bark cloth fig tree planted for family ceremonies and graveyards-cemeteries. It is known as Hamutoma- symbolizing every one's family origin and foundation.
Barkcloth tree (2021)Original Source: Tooro Botanical Gardens
Magical bark cloth origin for cultural and spiritual rites
Each tree can yield 40 bark stripping. Households would wrap the naked stem in banana leaves to ensure bark regeneration and stop the trees from drying. The Batooro communities take pride in nurturing the trees and promote the conservation of the Ficus natalensis.
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