The Seasons of Trees in Kenya: How They Change Throughout the Year

Once upon a time, in the beautiful country of Kenya, there were four trees named Akinyi, Baraka, Chausiku, and Daudi. These trees lived in a forest and were the best of friends. They would share their stories, their fruits, and their shade with each other.

One day, Akinyi, the tallest of the trees, started to shed her leaves. Baraka, who was the wisest of them all, explained to her that it was the start of the dry season. The dry season was the time when the sun shone brighter, the days were longer, and the air was hotter. The trees would not receive much rainfall, and the leaves would turn yellow and fall off to conserve water. Akinyi was sad, but Baraka reassured her that it was all part of nature’s cycle.

As the days passed, Chausiku, the smallest of the trees, started to bloom beautiful flowers. Baraka told her that it was the beginning of the short rains. During the short rains, the trees would receive enough rainfall to grow new leaves and flowers. Chausiku was overjoyed, and her beautiful pink and white flowers filled the forest with a lovely fragrance.

Soon, it was Daudi’s turn to change. He started to bear fruit. His branches were heavy with juicy oranges, and the animals in the forest would come to him to enjoy his fruits. The rainy season was in full swing, and the trees were thriving.

Finally, it was Baraka’s turn to transform. He started to shed his leaves, and the forest became quiet. Baraka explained to his friends that it was the long dry season. During this time, the trees would conserve water and wait for the next rainy season. The animals in the forest would have to rely on the fruits and leaves that were left from the previous season.

The four trees learned that the changing of the seasons was a natural process, and each season brought its own unique beauty. They realized that even though they looked different throughout the year, they were still the best of friends and could always count on each other.

And so, the four trees lived happily in the forest, changing with the seasons, and enjoying the beauty of nature around them. 

Did you enjoy that story? 

Trees are an essential part of our planet, providing us with clean air, shade, and homes for wildlife. Just like us, trees also go through different seasons throughout the year. Let’s dive in and learn about these seasons!

Kenya is located near the equator, so it experiences only two seasons: the dry season and the wet season. During the dry season, which lasts from December to March, trees shed their leaves to conserve water. This is called the dry season deciduousness. Many trees, such as the acacia and baobab, lose their leaves during this time. These trees can survive in the dry season because they have adapted to store water in their trunks and roots.

The wet season, on the other hand, lasts from April to November. During this time, trees flourish and become lush with leaves. The leaves provide shade and help regulate the temperature of the surrounding environment. The wet season is also the time when many trees produce fruit, such as mangoes, avocados, and passion fruits. These fruits provide food for humans and animals alike.

In addition to the seasonal changes in leaf cover and fruit production, trees in Kenya also go through a process called phenology. Phenology is the study of the timing of life cycle events in plants and animals. In trees, this includes when they flower and produce leaves, and fruit. This cycle varies depending on the species of tree and the local climate. For example, the yellow fever tree flowers in February and March, while the jacaranda tree flowers in November and December.

In conclusion, trees in Kenya go through different seasons throughout the year. During the dry season, trees shed their leaves to conserve water, while during the wet season, they become lush and produce fruit. Phenology also plays a role in the life cycle of trees, with different species flowering and producing leaves and fruit at different times of the year. As we continue to learn about the world around us, let’s remember to appreciate and care for the trees that provide us with so much.