The region is vast and extends to tropical Africa in the north. Geologically it is also diverse. Formation introduced into the Conservatory include Sandrivier Gneiss, sandstone, dolomite and Waterberg conglomerate. It is deciduous, losing its leaves in May and producing new leaves at the end of November each year. It is a great survivor in spite of heavy abuse in the African savanna from both man and beast.
Elephants eat the tree bark.
Local people strip the bark to make mats and use the inner part of the tree as shelter. Sesamothamnus lugardii is a dwarf thickset tree that grows to 3 meters high. It has small gray leaves and tubular white flowers. It is widespread in dry regions. A mopane tree was also introduced, but kept low due to its potential size.