Gondwana-Collection-Logo
Gondwana-Collection-Logo
  • Explore
    • Experience Namibia
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Gondwana Membership
    • Value Vouchers
    • Birding in Namibia
  • Travel Offers
    • Lodges & Camps
    • Accommodation Map
    • Travel & Safaris
    • Car Rental
    • Promotions
    • Corporate
    • Events
  • News & Blog
    • News
    • Blog
  • About us
    • About Us
    • Sustainability
    • Gondwana Care Trust
    • Careers
    • Partners
    • Investors
  • Agent Portal
    • No Login Required
  • Contact us
    • Get in Touch
    • Visa Info
  • Book Now
Hit enter to search or ESC to close
  • Menu Item 1
    • Sub-menu Item 1
      • Another Item
    • Sub-menu Item 2
  • Menu Item 2
    • Yet Another Item
  • Menu Item 3
  • Menu Item 4

Gondwana Collection Namibia , Ecology & Nature

Is the Makalani Palm tree in Namibia really that useful?

By Gondwana Collection
April 20, 2018

Gracefully and majestically, a host of Makalani Palm trees or Hyphaene petersiana stand tall – close enough for you to appreciate them from the road and far enough to not drive into.

 

Makalani Palm Trees, Northern Namibia Rights to Nela Shikemeni

 

Noticeable when journeying to the O-regions, from Onankali to Ondangwa, to shop for essentials before visiting your family in Ongha – empty handed arrivals are not cherished.

 

Makalani Palm tree with sunset Rights to Manni Goldbeck

 

You could even celebrate a spellbinding sunset over the palm trees close to a homestead.

 

Sunset view Rights to Nela Shikemeni

 

The palms stand upright, and the upper or middle section is where genders separate. It grows distinct leaves that have a fan like shape – hence, it is referred to as a fan palm. The leaf colours alternate between green and grey, with a length between 1.5 to 2 metres and are edible.

 

Makalani palm tree fruit Rights to Ron Swilling

 

When fruits are ripened, their colour changes from green to orange and finally to a glossy dark brown. Its fruits are small and almost globose, and 40 to 60 millimetres in size. The fruit’s nut is very hard and its brown skin covers the ivory coloured kernel, often referred to as a ‘vegetable ivory’.

 

Ripe Palm tree fruits Rights to Ron Swilling

 

People living in areas close to Makalani Palms have been creative in using the nuts and leaves for economic gain.

 

Makalani key rings Rights to Ron Swilling

 

Nuts are used to make key rings, perfume holders, necklaces or ornaments for bottle openers, whereas leaves are used to weave various baskets. Grandmothers and their granddaughters would sit in the shade of a hut to weave baskets while they delight in stories.

 

Basket weaving, Namibia Rights to Ron Swilling

 

When weaving baskets, a coiling technique is used most, which I have failed to pull off on numerous attempts.

 

Basket weaving, Namibia Rights to Ron Swilling

 

Leaves are cut off with a knife from the base and this is done to conserve the trees. Leaves are sectioned and shredded in thin sections, and placed in a sunny area to dry. Dried leaves are placed in warm water for leaves to swerve effortlessly during the weaving process. To add some spunk to baskets, the Bird Plum tree’s bark is finely crushed and boiled, then used as a colourant.

 

Traditional weaved basket, Namibia Rights to Ron Swilling

 

Baskets are unique and made for a variety of uses such as winnowing, coins, flour and to carry gift offerings, waste material, seeds or pearl millet stock during harvesting.

 

Weaved Baskets on display Rights to Ron Swilling

 

In addition, baskets can be vegetable containers or even décor in homes and the list is endless.

 

Oshiwambo speaking people, Namibia Rights to Nela Shikemeni

 

Artists customise nuts with engravings as per clients’ preferences, so you will see a lot of wildlife and other unique designs.

 

Makalani Kernel art Rights to Ron Swilling

 

For those that do enjoy potent traditional brews, ombike is worth a sip or two. Just remember you might say too much of what you’re not supposed to, so pick your company wisely.

 

Shebeen, Namibia Rights to Nela Shikemeni

 

After picking up your Namibia2Go vehicle in Windhoek for your trip to our Etosha Safari Lodge, why not make a stop at the Namibia Craft Centre or the Oshetu Community Market and buy a little earing basket and a Makalani nut key ring for your mom or sister.

 

Have you seen a Makalani Palm? Where else can you find Makalani Palm products? Let us know by sharing your story in the comment section below.

 

Author –  I’m Nela, from Windhoek Namibia but born in a small village called Omatunda in northern Namibia. I am passionate about writing, research and photography, as it helps me gain knowledge about people and my country.

 

Ndinelao Nela Shikemeni

All posts
About Author
Gondwana Collection

You might also like
A Symphony of Talent Joins Gondwana Collection Namibia
A Symphony of Talent Joins Gondwana Collection Namibia
April 20, 2018
A Day Trip to Okapuka Safari Lodge
A Day Trip to Okapuka Safari Lodge
April 20, 2018
Sossusvlei - A Must-See Destination in the Namib Desert
Sossusvlei - A Must-See Destination in the Namib Desert
April 20, 2018
SUBMIT YOUR COMMENT
Gondwana-Collection-Logo-Footer-1

Gondwana Collection Namibia (Pty) Ltd | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy and GDPR Compliance | Terms & Conditions | Health & Safety

Subscribe Now

Stay up-to-date with our monthly Newsletter.

  • Book Now
  • Lodges & Camps
  • Safaris & Travel
  • Car Rental
  • Good To Know
  • Gondwana Care Trust
  • Your Local Travel Guide
  • Contact us
  • The Gondwana Card
  • Share Trading
  • Reservations
Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.