In front of a famous background of stars and galaxies lies some
of Earth's more unusual trees. Known as quiver trees, they are
actually aloe plants that can grow to tree-like proportions. The
quiver tree name is derived from the historical usefulness of
their hollowed branches as dart holders. Occurring primarily in
southern Africa, the trees pictured in the above 16-exposure
composite are in Quiver Tree Forest located in southern Namibia.
Some of the tallest quiver trees in the park are estimated to be
about 300 years old. is light from the small town of Far in the
distance, arching across the background, is the majestic central
band of our Milky Way Galaxy. Even further in the distance,
visible on the image left, are the Small Magellanic Clouds,
smaller satellite galaxies of the Milky Way that are prominent
in the skies of Earth's southern hemisphere. Credit & Copyright: