Mopane
From Freepedia
| Mopane | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||||||
| Colophospermum mopane (Kirk ex Benth.) Kirk ex J.Léon. |
The Mopane (Colophospermum mopane) tree grows in hot, dry, low-lying areas, 200-1,150 m, in the far northern parts of South Africa, into Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Angola and Malawi. The genus Colophospermum only occurs in Africa and is there only the one species in the genus. The species name mopane is taken from the local name for the tree. The mopane is in the legume family (Fabaceae).
It is found growing in alkaline (high lime content) soils which are shallow and not well drained. It also grows in alluvial soils (soil deposited by rivers). In South Africa and adjacent areas of Botswana and Zimbabwe, the trees tend to vary between 4 and 18 m, often called mopane scrub but also sometimes taller and forming woodland, where further north the trees are taller and form tall woodlands referred to as cathedral mopane. This tree does not grow well outside of suitable hot, frost-free, summer rainfall areas.
Its distinctive butterfly shaped leaf and thin, flimsy seed pod make it easy to identify. To man it forms, together with camel thorn and leadwood, one of the triad of definitive firewood trees. The name Colophospermum is Greek for oily seed, in reference to the resinous seeds. The part of the name, colophos, apparently refers to the strong turpentine smell of the resin. Colophony is another name for rosin, a substance obtained from turpentine.
The leaves are the food source for the mopane worm, the caterpillar of the moth Gonimbrasia belina. The caterpillars are covered with long bright green or orange hairs, are rich in protein and are eaten by people, either roasted or dried.
Uses
The sale of dried mopane worms is an important income source for many people, creating a local economy.
Other traditional uses of the mopane tree include the making of houses and kraal fences, twigs chewed as tooth brushes, the bark is used to make twine and for tanning, and the leaves used for healing wounds.
The hard, reddish heartwood timber was used to make railway sleepers and as props for mining activities. This is one South Africa's heaviest timbers and is apparently difficult to work because of its hardness but this also makes it termite resistant, therefore a popular choice for fence posts and flooring.
The caterpillar of the moth Gonometa rufobrunnea spins silken cocoons which are harvested as wild silk to make cloth.
References
- Esterhuyse, N., Von Breitenbach, J. & Söhnge, H. 2001. Remarkable trees of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.
