text: Mopane twigs have been traditionally used as tooth brushes, the bark to make twine and for tanning leather, and the leaves for healing wounds. The wood is also used to make charcoal and for braai wood.
  The tree is a major food source for the mopane worm, the caterpillar of the moth Gonimbrasia belina. The caterpillars are rich in protein and are eaten by people. The mopane worm is rich in crude fats and contains vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium and phosphorus.  The tree also acts as a foodplant for the wild silk moth, Gonometa rufobrunnea. Cocoons of the moth are harvested as wild silk, to make cloth.
  The Mopane worm creates employment and serves as a source of income for the majority of rural women. Harvesters sell it in villages, towns or to the trader
  The mopane tree also serves as a host plant for the mopane psyllid Retroacizzia mopani.
  Etymology
  Colophospermum is Latinised Greek for "oily seed", in reference to the resinous seed (i.e. spermum) which has a turpentine smell. Colophon was the birthplace of Homer in Ionia, and was famous for its rosin, a substance obtained from turpentine or the gummy exudate of some trees. The species name mopane is taken from the local name for the tree.