Large-fruited bushwillow
Combretum zeyheri

Family: Combretaceae

What it is like

A small to medium sized tree. It loses its leaves during the year. The trunk is short and crooked. The crown is round. The bark is smooth and light brown. The young twigs have small white hairs. The leaves are opposite and simple. They are oblong and have fine hairs. The flowers can be 7 cm long. They are in spikes in the axils of leaves. They are greenish-yellow. The flowers appear with the new leaves. The fruit has 4 wings. They are 8 cm long by 8 cm wide. They are yellowish-green but ripen to light brown.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in rocky and sandy soil often over limestone material. It can tolerate drought. It grows between 10-1,600 m altitude. It grows in areas with about 450 mm per year. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The gum is considered a delicacy.

Edible parts

Gum

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Calama, Eumbo, Ghuvu, Kadale, Kagaro, Mlama, Muce, Muchenga, Muchenja, Mufikani, Muhuhu, Mukenge, Mupembere-kono, Muruka, Muteteoe, Pida, Raasblaar, Umbhondo, Umbula

Synonyms

Combretum bragae Engl.; Combretum oblongum F. Hoffm.;