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Colophospermum Mopane (Mopane) (Mupani/Lupange)

Grows up to 20m, slow growing; flowers in rains;straight growth. Bare of leaves in winter. Tolerates poor, alkaline, and badly drained soil where other trees cannot survive.

Mopane is host to the mopane worm (larvae of imbrasia belina) in large numbers from Dec to April, which, fresh and dried, are a source of protein in the local diet.

Bark can be used to treat stomach pain and diarrhea. Leaf infusions used to treat constipation. Leaves are astringent, possibly antiseptic; chewed leaves are applied to fresh wounds to stop bleeding and stubborn wounds can be treated with gum released when wood is heated. Twigs are chewed to clean teeth. The inner bark is used to make cords for tying poles in house construction.

Wood is hard and heavy and said to be the best firewood in Africa, even when green. It burns slowly giving off a sweet smell and intense heat. Also makes good charcoal.

Wood naturally forms holes in which squirrels and many birds, nest. Small bees also use hollows as hives producing a blackish honey.

They can survive up to 95% ring barking by elephants.

It is said that lightning does not like Mopane and often strikes it, so you are advised not to shelter under it during a storm!

Indigenous Tree


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