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Mokolodi Nurseries -
Mokosho

Faidherbia albida, Ana tree, Mokosho
The Mokosho is very unusual in that it loses its
nutrient rich leaves at the start of the rainy season
and comes into leaf during the winter months.
When the leaves fall, rhizobium bacteria living in
the roots of the tree break down the leaves adding
nitrogen to the soil. Farmers can plant crops like
maize directly under Mokosho trees and naturally
have their fields fertilized. The leaves and pods
also provide valuable winter fodder for game and
domestic animals. “Through leaf and pod fall, ni-
trogen fixation and association with soil-micro-or-
ganisms, fertility accumulation under the canopy is
reported as follows: 75 kg N, 27 kg P2O5, 183 kg
CaO, 39 kg MgO and 20 kg S. This is equivalent to
300 kg of complete fertiliser and 250 kg of lime
worth at least BWP3500 today and provides the
recommended nutrient requirement for a 4 ton
maize crop.”
Mokosho is fast growing with straight thorns and
red/brown to yellow seed pods when ripe.

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