Motlopi

The first mile or two was a grassy open plain of grey sandy soil consolidated by the grass roots and the late rains. Then came groves of mimosas, oomahaama, and motlopies, growing as usual from ant-hills, and these again alternated with patches of low bush of brittle wood, with smooth spear-shaped leaves (for a wonder destitute of thorns).

In times of scarcity the women and children spend hours every day in digging up, drying in the sun, and grinding into coarse flour the root of the motlopi-tree, of which they make porridge. This root is also extensively used by the frontier colonists as coffee.

According to Ferreira (1927–29, p. 352, 356) the Tlhaping are forbidden to cut mokgalo for fear of drought and also motlopi (Boscia albitrunca), the latter because of fear that their cattle will only produce male calves.

The most common indigenous trees include the mophane, the camel-thorn, the motlopi (sheperd's^([sic – meaning shepherd's]) tree) and the baobab.

Mpipidi took his provisions and the goat's milk and drove the cattle deep into the bush. Carefully he approached the tall motlopi tree.

A newer product in the beverage category is motlopi coffee, made from motlopi root. This coffee is produced by a group of women in the Kgalgadi district who sell it to improve their livelihoods.