The Kalahari apple-leaf (Philenoptera nelsii = Lonchocarpus nelsii)

• LUISE HOFFMANNTHE Kalahari apple-leaf is conspicuous from September to October when covered in a cloud of purple to pink flowers humming with large black bumble bees and a variety of other insects.

The large, leathery leaves look much like the leaves of apple trees, hence the common name in the various European languages spoken in Namibia.

Names: E. Kalahari apple-leaf, lance tree; G. Apfelblattbaum; A. appelblaarboom; H. omupanda. I could find no explanation for Philenoptera. The specific name nelsii refers to a German official named Nels, on duty in Namibia in 1880, who collected many plants.

The Kalahari apple-leaf is generally quite common on sandy soil north of a line connecting Epupa, Omaruru, Okahandja and Buitepos. The first apple-leaf tree inside the road reserve along the B2 occurs on the hill just south of the turn-off of the C22 to Okakarara, while it is common along the B2 north of Otjiwarongo, [photo along C38 to Namutoni].

The Kalahari apple-leaf usually is a single-stemmed tree with a well-rounded crown and reaches a height of up to 10 m.

The pale greyish-yellow trunk is quite smooth. The oblong leaves are relatively large, up to 12 x 5 to 6 cm, and rounded at both ends. While young they are covered with rough hairs, which disappear as they mature. The veins are very prominent on the lower leaf surface. In winter the leaves turn yellow and only fall just before the new buds appear in spring.

Numerous purple, pink (occasionally white) pea-like flowers are borne on branched sprays in September and October before the leaves appear. They attract black bumble-bees, bees and many other insects. Having fallen, they form a mauve carpet under the tree and are eagerly eaten by the Damara dik-dik. Before the flowers open, the velvety, softly grey buds look like lace against the blue sky and are a lovely sight.

Numerous lance-shaped, light green pods turn straw-coloured when ripe, again giving the tree a totally different appearance. [It was to the shape of the pods that the former name Lonchocarpus referred.] Flowers, pods and leaves of this tree are very nutritious and are browsed by many animals including kudu, giraffe and elephant. Various household utensils e.g. spoons, are carved out of the light, pale-coloured wood.

The Heikum boil the bark and drink the fluid as a cough remedy. The leaves are placed on boils and sores. Persons suffering from TB are sometimes advised to chew the leaves. The Ovaherero chew the green bark to alleviate coughs, while the Ovahimba add the outer bark to the milk to let it curdle. Remarks: From Otavi northwards the Kalahari apple leaf may be confused with several Combretum species. However, the latter have opposite leaves and lack stipules, bear cream-coloured flowers arranged in small spikes and develop into four-winged fruit so typical of the Combretum genus.

On sandy soil the Kalahari apple leaf makes a beautiful garden specimen due to its varying appearance when in bud, flower, and fruit and when covered with large leaves. Place the dry seed in a bag and beat it to break up the outer skin. Sow in sandy soil in a sunny position. The seed germinates after about three weeks and then grows slowly. Young trees can easily be recognised by the large, hairy leaves.