Colophospermum mopane
Mopane
Colophospermum mopane, commonly known as the mopane tree, is a resilient species native to Southern Africa. Beyond its ecological significance, it holds profound medicinal value in traditional healing. Various parts of the tree, including its bark and leaves, are utilized to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to inflammation.
- Scientific name: Colophospermum mopane
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales. Ultimately, it is a member of the family Fabaceae and is placed in the genus Colophospermum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Colophospermum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Colophospermum mopane, is referred to by various common names depending on the language: in Portuguese, it is called Colophospermum, in Esperanto, it is known as Mopane-arbore, in French, it is called Mopane, in Russian, it is referred to as Мопане, and in Finnish, it is known as mopanepuu.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Colophospermum | Wikidata |
| eo | Mopane-arbo | Wikidata |
| fr | Mopane | Wikidata |
| ru | Мопане | Wikidata |
| fi | mopanepuu | Wikidata |
| et | mopaanipuu | Wikidata |
| de | Mopane | Wikidata |
| hr | Mopane | Wikidata |
| lt | Paprastasis ausuonis | Wikidata |
| sv | Mopane | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across the region of South Tropical Africa. Within this broad area, its presence is specifically noted in the country of Angola. It also thrives within the borders of Malawi and Mozambique. Furthermore, the species can be found throughout much of Zambia. Finally, its geographical range extends into the nation of Zimbabwe.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zambia | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Botswana | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Caprivi Strip | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Namibia | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Northern Provinces | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Colophospermum mopane, utilizes its distinct botanical structures for survival and reproduction in arid environments. The large, butterfly-shaped leaves are a defining feature, often acting as efficient surfaces for photosynthesis while being structured to withstand intense heat. Additionally, the plant produces specialized seeds that are essential for its lifecycle, ensuring that new generations can take root in the challenging soil of the mopane woodlands.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Colophospermum mopane has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Colophospermum mopane has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antioxidant, diarrhea.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |