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Mopane
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Fabales Family: Fabaceae Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae Tribe: Detarieae Genus: Colophospermum Species: C. mopane
Binomial name
Colophospermum mopane (Kirk ex Benth.) Kirk ex J.Léon.

Mopani is an alternate spelling of "Mopane". See also Mopani District Municipality, Mopani worm; and Mopani Copper Mines plc, the large copper mining company.

The mopane or mopani (Colophospermum mopane) tree grows in hot, dry, low-lying areas, 200-1,150 m, in the far northern parts of southern Africa, into South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Angola and Malawi. The genus Colophospermum only occurs in Africa and is the only 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).

Distribution of Mopane

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.

Branch of a Mopane tree, with a mopane worm (Imbrasia belina) on it. Immediately below the caterpillar, a pair of distinctive, butterfly-shaped leaves have survived.

The leaves are the food source for the mopane worm, the caterpillar of the moth Imbrasia belina. The caterpillars are rich in protein and are eaten by people, either roasted or dried.

Mopane wood is one of southern Africa's heaviest timbers and is difficult to work because of its hardness. However this also makes it termite resistant. It is therefore a popular choice for flooring, and is traditionally used for fencing and making houses. The hard, reddish heartwood timber is used for railway sleepers and as props for mining activities.

Mopane is finding increasing use in the construction of musical instruments, particularly woodwind. The African blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) traditionally used for clarinets is becoming harder to find of suitable quality. Mopane, which is fairly oily, seasons very well with few splits or shakes, and produces instruments of a warm, rich tone.

Other traditional uses of the mopane tree include chewing the twigs as tooth brushes, using the bark to make twine and for tanning, and using the leaves for healing wounds.

Mopane is increasingly being used in North America and Europe as a decorative wood because of its rich coloring and texture. Some known areas of use include decorations in gardens, aquariums and ponds, terrariums, floral displays, taxidermy mounts, table centerpieces, lamp bases, and bases for sculptures because of its beauty and weight.

The sale of dried mopane worms (Imbrasia belina) is an important income source for many people, contributing significantly to rural economies. The tree also acts as a foodplant for a wild silk moth, Gonometa rufobrunnea. Cocoons of the moth are harvested as wild silk, to make cloth.

• List of Southern African indigenous trees

• Esterhuyse, N., Von Breitenbach, J. & Söhnge, H. 2001. Remarkable trees of South Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.
• Ferwerda, J.G. (2005) Charting the quality of forage : measuring and mapping the variation of chemical components in foliage with hyperspectral remote sensing. Wageningen, Wageningen University, 2005. ITC Dissertation 126, 166 p. ISBN 90-8504-209-7.