Botanical Name: Combretum zeyheri Sond.

Common Name:        Large-fruit Combretum

Plant Family:              Combretaceae

Origin:                           Africa

References:                 Coates Palgrave p. 812, Storrs 1 p.327-328, van Wyk 2 p.94. S.A. No. -, Zimb.

Description:  A shrub or medium-sized tree, usually at medium altitudes. Leaves are yellow-green and tend to cluster at the ends of branches. The flower is a fragrant yellowish spike and impressive in a profuse flowering. The fruit is a distinctive, large (up to 8x8cm or larger), 4-winged, straw colored pod, but size varies considerably.

Features of Particular Interest:  The flowers and fruit are distinctive features in mature trees.

Height and Spread:  Up to 10m high, spread 4-7m.

Periods of Interest:

Leaf:  September to June.

Flowering:  August to November.

Fruiting:  November to August.

Cultivation

Soil and Moisture:  Usually on sandy soils and tolerant of toxic soils.

Aspect:  Usually occurs in open, sunny settings.

Hardiness:  Moderately frost and drought tolerant.

Maintenance and Pruning:  Not normally required.

Propagation:  Difficult to propagate from seed.

Problems and Drawbacks:  Propagation and subsequent seedling growth.

Use and Associated Planting:  A specimen tree that should be planted where its flowers and fruit will be noticed. Hornbills and small mammals favor the fruits. The roots are widely used to make fine baskets.