Mopane trees have long, deep fissures running up the bark, but their most distinguishing feature is the butterfly-shaped leaf. In some reserves that have historically had poor land-use management, it has become a problem species. In such areas it can reach highly dense proportions, reducing not only the graze available to non-browsing animals, but also the visitors ability to see the game that remains. It is, however, a useful species. By plaiting the fibrous strand of the bark, a rope can be fashioned. Similarly, the inner bark can be used for cordage, or used to give a pale brown finish to leather when tanning. Various wood, bark and leaf extracts are used to treat eye infammation, diarohhea, constipation and venereal disease. The leaves can be chewed to form a paste that is applied to wounds to stop bleeding. The branches can be heated until a gum is released which can be used to treat slow-healing wounds. The wood itself is a popular firewood, as despite being a heavy wood, it burns readily. This heaviness is what makes it such a suitable timber for constructing huts and enclosures.
The tree is also host to a much sought after delicacy: the mopane worm.(Please refer back to our wildlife section for more on this)