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African Star-Chestnut (Sterculia
africana), |
Credit & Copyright: Dr. Bruce G.
Marcot
Explanation: This lonely tree growing in an open bushveld field in northeastern Namibia is an African star-chestnut. Although it is not a "chestnut" as the name is used in North America (nor is it a "star" for that matter), it is indeed uniquely African. This is one of 28 star-chestnuts (Sterculia spp.) which include cacao trees. This species is locally called the mopopaja tree, and its Afrikaans name is Afrikaanse sterkastaiing. The
fibrous bark is used for mats and ropes. When the bark flakes off, it
leaves a beautiful, pastel-colored marbled underbark. Its large hairy
leaves are supposedly edible, but I did not try, nor do I recommend it,
without more specific botanical expertise on this species. Information:
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Next week's picture: The Leaf That Flies
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