mopani
9.9
A tree from southern Africa with very hard wood that feeds and shelters animals
- noun
- South African
:
mopan
- Animals in southern Africa seek shelter in the mopani tree during storms.
Examples
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The leaves of the mopani tree provide food for many species of insects.
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We've learned that these are Mopani trees, which are the elephant's favorite food, and the worms that we ate last night are all from those trees.
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The mopani tree is known for its hard wood, which is used in furniture making.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A tree from southern Africa with butterfly-shaped leaves and very hard wood
focuses on value to animals for food and shelter rather than leaf shape
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word mopani comes from the local name in southern Africa for a common 'tree' that people have used for generations. That's why in English mopani refers to the hard-wood tree that gives food and shelter to many animals.