Fairy Circle
Fairy circles are enigmatic barren patches, typically found in the grasslands of the western part of Southern Africa. This natural phenomenon has still not been explained despite 25 years of research; however, latest theories state that this is where a euphorbia tree/bush once stood. The euphorbia has a caustic, poisonous milky sap which is said to have leached into the ground thereby killing all the vegetation around it. Another theory suggests termites as the creator of these circles, but recent studies have stated that there is no evidence termites would cause this phenomenon. They are most prolific in Namibia, but are also present in Angola and South Africa.
The region's bushmen have traditionally ascribed spiritual and magical powers to them. In the oral myths of the Himba people these barren patches are said to have been caused by the gods, spirits and/or natural divinities.
