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Leadwood - Combretum imberbeThis semi-deciduous tree normally grows up to 20 metres tall. The Leadwood has always borne the distinction of being the most sought-after firewood. In the Okavango Delta and in the Moremi Game Reserve, this species is abundant and the wood is therefore readily availiable. It burns very slowly with intense heat, and is often used fora fire which is intended to burn all night in order to keep wild animals at bay. The Leadwood tree has a wide-spreading, rather sparse, roundish to slightly umbrella-shaped crown and a single, long, thick, bare stem. The wood is exeptionally hard and very difficult to work but suitable for ornamental workd as well as furniture. The Hereros and the Ovambos of Namibia regard the Leadwood tree as the great ancestor of all animals and people and they never pass it without paying it the necessary respect. Recent radio carbon dating, done in South Africa, has established that a Leadwood tree can live up to 1000 years and subsequently remain erect for an additional 50 years. |
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