Mopane Tree – 5 Seeds

The Mopane tree (Colophospermum mopane) can be a shrub or a tall tree that can grow up to a height of 30m, depending on soil conditions and water availability. It is a deciduous or sometimes a semi-deciduous tree that has a tall, narrow crown and grayish brown bark with very deep vertical fissures. The compound leaves are divided in two and the leaflets resemble butterfly wings. Crushed leaves have a turpentine odor. Sprays of small, green flowers appear in Summer. These are followed by pods which are flat and kidney-shaped.

In summer the leaves of the tree are fed on by swarms of fat, dark grayish mopane worms. These are rich in protein and are eaten by people, either roasted or dried.

Common names: mopane, turpentine tree (Eng.); mopanie (Afr.); mohlanare (Northern Sotho); mophane (Tswana).

Growing Mopane Tree

Indoor Sowing: Spring.

Direct Sowing: Spring.

• The tree grows best in the hot, summer rainfall areas of South Africa. It is not tolerant of cold and frost.
• Seeds can be removed from pods or sown in the pod.
• Fill a flat seedling tray with river sand.
• Place the seeds on the sand surface.
• Do not cover the seeds with sand, as the seeds need light to germinate.
• Keep the trays moist so that the seeds can absorb water to germinate.
• Once the seeds have germinated they may be susceptible to damping-off, therefore the amount of water should be reduced.
• The seedlings are initially slow growing but the growth rate speeds up once a height of about 20cm is reached.
• Transplanting will need to be done with care, and you should try to avoid damaging the roots.
• Use loamy soil with some sand and compost added, in black nursery bags, and water well after transplanting.