The wood

Mopane (Ironwood) dominates hot, low-lying river valleys in Limpopo, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. It has no thorns (unlike many other braai woods), and the bark forms long, rope-like ridges running up the trunk. The heartwood is very dense (it sinks in water), often with dark streaks, and it’s notoriously difficult to split. When you buy Mopane, you’re buying one of the heaviest, longest-burning woods available; it’s ideal for coals that last for hours.

The look

Bark & shape

Unmistakable: deeply vertically fissured, forming long ridges like coarse ropes or cables. Dark grey to charcoal, often dusty-looking. No thorns.

Stems are often fluted, lobed, or kidney-shaped in cross-section, rarely a perfect circle.

Heartwood & sapwood

Dark reddish-brown with darker brown or black streaks (growth rings/mineral). Figured look, a bit like rosewood. Very dense.

A narrow, sharp band of pale yellow to off-white.

Quick ID: No thorns; ropey bark; dark heartwood with black streaks; often fluted or lobed logs.

The burn

How it performs

Heat

Very high and sustained. One of the densest woods; heat output is exceptional.

Coals

Outstanding. Forms coals that last for hours; ideal for long braais.

Smoke

Low when well seasoned. The oily wood can give a slight sheen when split.

Lighting

Slow to catch; needs a good base of kindling or faster wood.

Best for

Long, slow braais and all-day fires

Cooking that relies on steady coal heat

Fire pits where you want coals that keep going

Gallery

Get Mopane

We do not currently sell pure Mopane as a standalone product. It may be included in special or seasonal mixes; check with us if you’re looking for it.

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Mopane.