Mopane Turning Squares

Colophospermum mopane

Also called Rhodesian Ironwood, this small to moderate sized tree is found mostly in hot savannah lands in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Angola. It is an important fodder source for animals (especially elephants), the leaves and seed pods having a high protein content. Large grey-green caterpillars, 2-3 inches long and as fat as a finger feed on the Mopane and are used as food by the natives. David Livingstone mentions in his journals that the natives believed that the Mopane is more often struck by lightning than any other tree and that they would warn travellers never to seek shelter near a Mopane when a thunderstorm was brewing. "Lightning hates it" they would say.
The sapwood is yellow and is a sharp contrast from the dark red heartwood which is very hard and heavy. In Africa the wood is highly prized for firewood but is also utilized for furniture and toy making. It is a nice wood for turnery, taking detail well and finishing to a very smooth, glassy polish.

Item Number: W41129