Mopane

Mopane pests (Northern Namibia)

Colophospermum mopane

Mopane (English)

Omusati / Omufyati

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1. Mopane Introduction

Mopnae is the dominant tree in most areas of the 4 regions: Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto. Omusati is even named after the tree and the dominant landscape is often called mopaneveld.

Mopane varies in size from small bushes up to a 10 m high tree. They are usually not cultivated or planted but grow naturally. In some areas, however, they are coppiced regularly and therefore look more like a cultivated crop. The leaves consist of two sickle-shaped leaflets which form a characteristic shape. The yellow green flowers are found in small clusters. The young fruit is fresh green and soft but it hardens into a flat brown pod that is kidney-shaped, there is only one seed inside and the pod does not open.

Open mopaneveld

As the dominant tree, mopane has many uses. The wood is termite resistant and used as building and fencing materials and also provides an excellent firewood. The wood is also used for carvings, but other trees may be more suitable for that purpose if available. Leftover twigs and branches can be be used for fencing as well.

The bark is stripped off and made into a strong bush rope which may be used for making the large storage containers for pearl millet (omahangu).
Decoctions from the bark or leaves are used to cure a number of ailments.

Two edible species of Mopane worms (Emperor moths) are found during the season and they are a treasured delicacy during the rainy season.

Flowering Mopane
13 January 2001

2. Mopane pests

We have only recorded a few pests from mopane trees. Two of these species (the mopane worms) are even edible so they are more considered as valuable insects and welcomed by farmers. Occassionally, there is a local outbreak of various moth caterpillars but it is soon over and forgotten again.

The only species that worries me at present is the mopane bagworm. The sheer number of that pest found on mature mopane trees and the fact that it is common on all mature trees throughout the regions makes me wonder if it is having a significant effect on the yield. Please see the new photo of damage on the bagworm page.

Pests species

97 Turntail

Edible species