Combretum imberbe, an old leadwood

When an old leadwood retains some big branches at a lower level, its crown may be wide. Although not regularly rounded or dense like some other trees, it is an imposing tree in its habitat.

Much greyer than the mopane around it, the tree has allure although not the lushest member of its community. Here growing in the far north of Limpopo, it is a senior citizen in age and size of the arid, sub-tropical bushveld.