wonderboom, noun

/ˈvɔn(d)ə(r)bʊəm/
Origin:
AfrikaansShow more Afrikaans, wonder marvel, wonder + boom tree; named for one unusual specimen of the species near Pretoria (now Tshwane), estimated to be approximately 1 000 years old, branches of which have drooped to the ground and taken root over an area about 50m in diameter.
In full wonderboom fig: the fig tree Ficus salicifolia, found mainly in the Northern Transvaal (now Limpopo) and Zimbabwe.
[1896 ‘S. Cumberland’ What I Think of S. Afr. 156Outside the Raadzaal, Pretoria has nothing..to show, except the wonderboom (wonder tree).]
1929 J. Stevenson-Hamilton Low-Veld 43The well-known wonderboom (Ficus pretoriae) on a hill outside Pretoria, is an example.
1961 Palmer & Pitman Trees of S. Afr. 207Ficus pretoriae...Wonderboom...This Species is a spreading, usually evergreen tree, growing up to 70 feet in height and found in Natal, in various parts of the Transvaal, and northwards into tropical Africa. To this species belongs the famous Wonderboom, the unique groups of trees growing on the outskirts of Pretoria.
1983 K.C. Palgrave Trees of Sn Afr. 113Ficus salicifolia...Wonderboom fig...A spreading, medium sized tree, its height seldom exceeding 9 m.
In full wonderboom fig:the fig tree Ficus salicifolia, found mainly in the Northern Transvaal (now Limpopo) and Zimbabwe.
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18961983

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Afrikaans
wonder, nounn.wonderlawn, nounn.
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