An investigation into the relationship between physical damage and fungal infection in Colophospermum mopane

Summary Colophospermum mopanetrees in Zambia's North Luangwa National Park and an adjacent Game Management Area, were examined for evidence of physical damage caused by browsers, humans, weather, fire, etc. The same trees were assessed for visual signs of fungal colonization, with the aim of investigating any possible relationship between physical damage and attack by fungi. The results of this study suggest that the severity of physical damage had a relatively small influence on the activity of fungi colonizing and utilizing mopane heartwood. The majority of fungi isolated from infected trees were saprophytes, and the common occurrence of these agents in healthy trees suggests that heartwood degradation is not detrimental to the health of the tree. ‘Internal roots’ produced from the cambium inside the hollow trunk, which apparently utilize the detritus accumulated there, is probably an adaptation through whichC. mopane can recycle minerals and nutrients.