Common Name(s): Mopane

Synonym(s):

Family: Fabaceae

Native To: Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe

Native Habitat: Native to the drier, warmer areas of Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, in the 20 to 30 degree latitudes. Summer rainfall is common. Soils are alkaline and not particularly well draining

Growth Habit: C. mopane has a range of forms, from shrub-like to a tree reaching 30 meters high, probably depending on soil conditions or water availability.

Flowering: Late Spring

Distinguishing Characteristics: Partially deciduous during the dry winters, Mopane leaves are really beautiful. They are similar to a Bauhinia’s leaves, except that with harsher conditions, they can be narrower, resembling an Acacia’s phyllodes.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: One very important part of the tree’s ecology and cultural history is the fat larvae of an Emperor moth (Imbrasia belina) which commonly feed on the tree’s leaves through the growing season. These caterpillars get to be over 4 inches long and are harvested as a delicacy by the folks in that part of the world. The leaves, which have turpentine smell, are known to be browsed by game animals, particularly elephants.

Ethnobotany: Parts of the tree that are utilized include its hard wood (for timbers, fences, houses), its bark (for twine and tanning), its leaves (healing wounds), and twigs (chewed as toothbrushes).

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