Xeroderris stuhlmannii

Xeroderris stuhlmannii (Taub.) Mend. & Sousa (Ostryoderris stuhlmannii (Taub.) Dunn ex Harms)

Common names

Wing pod (English); mutondotondo, chitondotondo (Bemba/Kunda/Nyanja)

General description and distinguishing characteristics

Xeroderris stuhlmannii is a medium to large tree up to 20 m tall, with a rounded crown. It is most easily recognised by its pendulous, flattened pods which have a distinct ‘wing’ or ridge around their edge. Bark grey-brown, rough and flaking. When wounded, the tree exudes a copious red latex. Leaves compound, imparipinnate, with 9-17 alternate to sub-opposite leaflets. Leaflets ovate or ovate-oblong with an assymetrical base, 4-12 x 2.5-6.5 cm. Upper surface of the leaflet with rust-yellow hairs when young, losing hairs later on and with a mottled appearance when dry. Margin is entire. Flowers white, pea-like, produced in rusty haired, terminal and axillary panicles, 10-20 cm long. (September-November). Fruit a light brown, flattened pod up to 2.5 x 18 cm, with a distinctive ridge or wing around its margin. Pods contain 1-4 seeds (ripen May-August).

Range and habitat

Xeroderris stuhlmannii occurs throughout tropical Africa, and is characteristic of dry woodland. In the Valley it is found in riverine fringe woodland and thicket, and also in Mopane woodland on sand.