Mobola plum

Mobola plum (Parinari curatellifolia): This evergreen tree with a characteristic spreading crown can grow up to 20m high in the dry woodland habitat of north-east Namibia especially the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip). It grows on riverbanks in Kalahari sand and can be observed on the eastern reaches of the Kavango River.

The corky, dark-grey bark supports dark-grey branches. Strips can be used as toothbrushes. Younger branchlets are red-brown. The leaves are dark-green and a red to brown dye can be extracted from the them. Small, white flowers bloom from May to October. Edible fruits are encased in a greyish or yellow-brown skin and can be served fresh or as a porridge.

Fermented fruit can be made into an alcoholic drink and a diluted syrup makes for a delicious cool drink. Traditional and medicinal uses include for the treatment of malaria, heart disease and respiratory problems. The Flower-girl Hopper is attracted to the leaves of the Mobola Plum.