The story of the Moporota tree

* DIPHETOGO MENYATSO | Tuesday December 1, 2009 00:00

Others are associated with myths and magic. There are also those that are known to be either the oldest or the biggest on earth. Some plants are poisonous to animals, human beings and even other plants.

However, almost all types of plants play an important role in the lives of other organisms in many ways, which include providing them with food and shelter.

All over the world, there are millions of different plant species from different habitats.  Some of them are rare, endangered and endemic.

There are even those which are close to being extinct. Therefore it is vital for the human race to be taught about and be constantly reminded of the importance of plants in ecosystems.

Botswana has many plants species, some of which are threatened and increasingly becoming rare. The threats faced by these plants include unsuitable climatic conditions, unsustainable use by human beings and infrastructure developments which destroy many habitats. Some of these local plants have some unique characteristics and associated stories. Among them is the sausage tree (referring to the shape of its fruit).

Scientifically known as Kigelia africana, the Moporota tree as it is locally known, has a very unique shaped fruit which looks like a big stiff sausage. Other local names for this tree species which occurs in the northern and north-eastern parts of Botswana include, Izungwe, Kazungula, Mobungubungu, Mosungula and unvuguvungu (Dr Moffat Setshogo et al 2003). However the species is also found in many parts of Southern Africa
Moporota is a medium to large tree with a thick trunk. Its wood is light in weight but quite strong. It has been used as timber in several countries where it occurs. The plant flowers in spring and produces attractive maroon flowers that are pollinated by bats and insects. Some animals like monkeys suckle the nectar from the plant's flowers. Animals such as duikers, impalas and kudus eat the fallen flowers.

At times elephants eat the leaves.

The fruits, which can weigh up to 10kg, are eaten by baboons, bush-pigs, porcupines and other animals.(Braam Van Wyk et al 2008). This plant can be propagated from seeds.

Mostly it grows along rivers and streams, preferably in deep alluvial soils (Braam van Wyk et al 2008). Moporota is a very attractive tree which can provide shade or be grown in gardens for aesthetic purposes. However, during the season when it bears fruits, it is not advisable to use the tree for shade purposes because one may be harmed by the falling heavy fruits.

In some countries the seeds of this plant are roasted and eaten during famine periods. However, unripe fruits are known to be poisonous. Some parts of the Moporota tree are used for medicinal purposes, especially the fruits and the bark. (Braam Van Wyk et al 2008)

Many people believe that the fruits can be used to increase the size of the male genitals by making a mark on a growing fruit which is still hanging on the mother tree. The common belief is that the person who made the mark can cut down the fruit when satisfied with the results of the exercise.

However, this has not been scientifically proven. Thorough investigations need to be carried out.  If the story is found to be true, measures need to be put in place to protect the Moporota species as it may end up being in high demand globally.

Members of the public may visit the National Botanical Garden (which is a part of the Natural History Division of the Botswana National Museum located in Village in Gaborone), to view the moporota fruits and learn about plants found in Botswana.

Plants help to sustain the lives of other living creatures.

Therefore they deserve to be cared for and protected by human beings, especially since most of the danger they face is associated with human activity. Unfortunately plants cannot move away to avoid such danger, for instance being cut down or burnt.

People should understand the need for them to take care of the earth's resources on behalf of the coming generations. Therefore it is everyone's responsibility  to preach and practice plant conservation.

* Menyatso is a horticulturist at the National Botanical Garden, Botswana National Museum.