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MOPHANE
⇒ SETSWANA NAME;mophane
⇒ ENGLISH NAME;mopane
⇒ SCIENTIFIC NAME;Colophospermum
mopane
⇒ DISCRIPTION;The species has a characteris-
tic butterfly leaf. The fruit is a kidney-
shaped pod, covered in oil glands. It usually dominates wherever it occurs,
forming a distinct vegetation type called Mopane wood-land.
⇒ WHERE THEY ARE FOUND;Mopane is mostly found in north of Radisele village.
It is regarded as an indicator of shallow, poorly drained, often alkaline, soils. It
is slow-growing outside its distribution range.
⇒ USES;. Mopane is the most sought-after building material in Botswana. It is also
ideal for fencing poles and wagon shafts. Mopane is also a host for the com-
monly harvested phane worm in Botswana. Mopane is also used for fire wood,
building poles and fencing poles.
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