SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 11620.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "11620" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Colophospermum

Scientific Name: Colophospermum

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Colophospermum mopane: An Overview

Colophospermum mopane, commonly known as mopane, mophane, mopani, balsam tree, butterfly tree, or turpentine tree, is a significant tree species found in southern Africa.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant has seeds that are not poisonous but take care not to damage the seed when removing pod
  • Consider the physical characteristics of the tree.

Considerations for Children

  • Consider the physical characteristics of the tree.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Colophospermum mopane (Benth.) J. Lonard or Colophospermum mopane Kirk ex J. Leonard or Colophospermum mopane (J. Kirk ex Benth.) J. Kirk ex J. Leonard
  • Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
  • Synonym: Copaifera "mopane"
  • Derivation: Colophospermum comes from Greek, meaning either oily seed or resin-seed, referring to the resinous glands on the seed.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Colophospermum mopane is widespread in southern Africa.
  • It can be found in Zambia, Malawi, southern Angola, northern Namibia, and north-eastern Botswana.
  • It dominates the savanna woodlands of southern Africa.
  • It is particularly prevalent in the lowveld areas of South Africa and the eastern reaches of the Kaokoveld.

Ecological Role

  • In the Mopane Bushveld, Colophospermum mopane can be viewed as a threat due to its ability to suppress the herbaceous layer.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The tree typically attains a height of five to twelve meters, assuming a generally rounded growth form.
  • The trunk is dark grey or brownish.
  • It has distinctive butterfly-shaped leaves.
  • It is facultatively deciduous, meaning that water availability determines leaf drop.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Colophospermum mopane trees are a common larval food plant of the mopane moth (Imbrasia belina).
  • It is important forage for different browsers in different seasons.

Traditional Uses

  • Rope/twine is made from C. mopane bark.
  • The wood is used as fuelwood for cooking.
  • Mopane woodland products are key resources for rural communities across southern Africa.

Further Information

  • Namibia Biodiversity Database.
  • ResearchGate professional network.
  • Wikimedia Commons.