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Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Common names: Mopane, Turpentine tree; Mopanie (Afr.); Mohlanare (Northern Sotho); Mophane (Tswana)
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These trees are for many people typical of the hot, low-lying areas near the Limpopo River in the far North of South Africa. Traditional use of the
The twigs chewed are used as tooth brushes and the leaves for healing wounds.
The mopane tree is an extremely important food source for animals and people; game animals, particularly elephants, enjoy the high protein leaves and pods.
In the Summer fat, dark green-greyish mopane Emperor moth worms (which can reach almost 10 cm long) eat the leaves. These insects rich in protein are sold and eaten roasted or dried.
A Speckled Emperor Moth
The Gonometa moth caterpillar spins cocoons which are harvested as wild silk to make cloth.
 In the picture above: Gonometa moths, coccoons and silk woven into a scarf.
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