The panorama at Mashatu, whereas nonetheless dry, is beginning to present seasonal modifications and we’re hopeful the rains might be right here quickly.
Whereas we anticipate the rains, nature all the time has a plan to maintain the ecology of the realm in steadiness. In October as we anticipate the rains, the assistance comes from the Mopane bushes.
A deciduous tree, the Mopane sheds most of its leaves throughout the winter months, leaving the panorama trying barren and inhospitable. In October, new leaves that are a gorgeous reddish color begin to sprout in anticipation of the primary rains. Inside a couple of days the realm is reworked because the leaves change to a shocking luminous yellow-green. Recognizing an animal within the newly sprouted Mopane with the solar behind it’s a photographer’s dream.
This variation is important to the survival of the animals at Mashatu. Many animals, significantly elephants, benefit from the protein-rich leaves and pods. The younger leaves have a better protein content material and are extra palatable, however even the dry, fallen leaves have worthwhile protein and would have performed an necessary function of their food plan by the winter months.
Mopane bushes have many different makes use of, offering a house for hole-nesting birds reminiscent of hornbills, which favour Mopane as they provide many nesting websites. In the event you’ve ever parked in an space with Mopane, additionally, you will be conversant in the tiny stingless Mopane bee. Whereas they are often annoying as they flutter round your face, they’re innocent and produce a small quantity of edible honey. They too favour the hole trunks of Mopane bushes for his or her nests.
Mopane bushes are straightforward to establish with probably the most diagnostic function being the butterfly-shaped leaves. There is no such thing as a doubt bushes are clever and to get by the new months Mopane bushes will save water by folding its leaflets collectively and exposing the smallest floor space towards the solar, thus lowering publicity of the leaf floor.
The Mopane Tree wooden is broadly used for furnishings and fencing due to its power and sturdiness, which makes it termite resistant. Most of the wood assist buildings and the boma fencing at our camps are produced from Mopane wooden.
Do you know that the design of our Mashatu Euphorbia Villas is impressed by the Mopane tree? Borrowing from nature’s design, the villa’s curves and shapes resemble the pods of Mopane bushes. An ideal synergy and celebration of this typically neglected tree that’s key to the survival of a lot of our animals.
by Janet Kleyn