Page 19 - nov

These are
characteristically
curled and twisted
like an apple
peel. The seeds
can be boiled and
eaten and the pods
may be dried and
ground into flour,
which is edible.
The pods are said
to have been used
as fish poison. In
Namibia, strips
of bark are used
as dental floss.
Mokosho can also
be used medicinally.
A decoction of
the bark is used
to treat diarrhoea,
bleeding and
inflamed eyes. It
can be used as an
emetic as well.

The Mokosho has
an extensive root
system and can
be planted close
together in rows
in a contour to
stabilize eroded
soils. In the land-
scape, it can make
an interesting
specimen when
planted in a park
or a large garden.

A fascinating
tree, and so
under-utilised in
Botswana. It is for
sale at Mokolodi
Nurseries. Text
& Photos by Karin Ana Tree by Karin Duthie
Duthie