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our trees

Spirostachys africana, Morukuru , Tamboti

The tree is renowned for its beautiful wood, and jumping beans. The fruit is a
capsule that is three-lobed and opens with an exploding sound that can be heard
on hot summer days when ripe (from October to February). The ‘jumping bean’
occurs because the seeds become infested with the larvae of a small grey moth,
which then causes the seed to jump centimetres into the air. The wood is used to
manufacture good furniture, and the tree is classified as a precious timber in
Mozambique, and is a protected tree in South Africa.

Spirostachys africana can grow up to 18 m in height, and is a medium-sized, semi-deciduous
tree with a round crown which occurs in low altitude bushveld, often in woodland, on
watercourses and savannas. It is commonly known for its toxic milky latex that exudes
from all parts of it. Be cautious when pruning this tree, as even the sawdust from the
wood is harmful to the eyes and can even cause blindness. It is also not suitable as
firewood because the smoke is toxic. It is however a popular food source for wild animals.
Francolins, guineafowl and doves eat the fruits. Antelope, vervet monkeys, elephants, and
giraffe feed on the fresh leaves of this tree and rhino eat the young branches.

This tree is very attractive, especially with the red colouring of the leaves in spring and
autumn. The tree is fairly drought and frost resistant, but grows very slowly, unless given
plenty of water. It can easily be seen growing in stands in the Mokolodi area.
Text & Pics: by S C (References: Sanbi/Wikipedia)

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