Burkea tree

Burkea tree (Burkea africana): A deciduous tree with a characteristic rounded to flattened crown that can grow up to 20m high in a dominating habitat in the Kalahari sands. It is confined to the central-north and north-eastern regions of Namibia, south to the Gobabis area. Other features include a large trunk, dark grey bark with blue-green leaves with grey-green undersides. The small, cream-coloured to white flowers bloom from September to November and from March to April. A pale brown thin pod hangs in clusters bearing solitary seeds.

Eland and elephant browse the leaves. Its height is a problem for elephants trying to reach the mistletoe on the higher branches and they often push the tree over. Eriksson's High-flier butterfly is also attracted to the Burkea Tree. The bark can be crushed and added to beer, turning the brew a golden-brown colour as well as a fish poison.

The hard wood is used to make furniture, sleepers, poles and floor tiles and makes excellent firewood and charcoal. Unfortunately 85% of all trees are hollow. Stumps can be made into pestles to grind 'mahangu'.