Apple leaf

Apple-leaf can be seen in Namibia in the far north-west of Namibia, mainly in and around the Caprivi Strip, particularly in woodland and wooded grassland areas. It grows on all soil types and the biggest specimens are confined to flood plains as well as the banks of rivers and spruits. It is a small to medium-sized tree(5-15m) and has a tall, slightly twisted trunk with a sparse crown. The bark is a light grey-brown and flaking, with compound leaves and 1-3 pairs of leaflets, with 1 large terminal one, up to 150x100mm. The leaflets are hard, shiny green above and velvety grey-green below. Scented mauve flowers form dense sprays and the pods are large, flat and light grey-brown.

As with many trees of the area, the leaves are browsed by livestock and game, particularly by elephant. The pollen and nectar attract bees, and butterflies are also known to breed on the apple-leaf. If you happen to seek shelter under the apple-leaf, watch out for 'dripping rain' at certain times of the year, (especially if it isn't raining!) It could be sap-sucking 'spittle bugs' living in the tree, excreting a waste liquid. Apple-leaf timber is hard and fairly heavy and is used for carving and making dugout canoes. It is yellowish in appearance, and the leaves and roots are used in traditional medicines.