Small false mopane
Guibourtia conjugata
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
An erect tree. It is small to medium sized. It grows 9 m tall. It loses its leaves during the year. The bark is pale grey. The leaves are twice divided. The leaflets are oval and only slightly curved. They are 3-5 cm long. They are unequal on each side. They are shiny green above and paler underneath. The flowers are in loose heads at the ends of the branches. They are yellow or white. They are 5 mm across. The fruit is a flat, thin, leathery pod. It is almost round and 4 cm long by 3 cm wide. It is creamy brown. The seed do not have a fleshy layer around them.
Also as Caesalpinaceae.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It grows in dry soil. It can grow in arid places. It grows in deep sand and along river banks. In Zimbabwe it grows up to 1,500 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, East Africa, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The seeds are used for drinks and oil.
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Messousso, N'tsoutso