Common Name:

General Information

Combretum kraussii is a shrub or a small tree with a dense, wide crown; it can grow up to 12 metres tall[]. The tree has variously been described as mostly evergreen, deciduous or semideciduous[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

The sawdust has been recorded as a cause of dermatitis of the hands of African forestry workers[].
A child who walked barefoot on the sawdust developed blisters between the toes[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Southern Africa - southern Mozambique, Swaziland, eastern S. Africa.

Habitat

Rocky hillsides, forest margins, rain-forest, grassland at elevations from sea level to 1,200 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	8.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a sunny position and also in some shade[]. Established trees are reasonably drought tolerant[].
A fast-growing tree, it can be 1.7 metres tall within 2 years from seed[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The roots are used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, and as an anodyne, tonic and appetite stimulant[].

Other Uses

The pliable young stems are used in basket making[].

The yellow wood has an usually straight grain and fine texture. It is hard, tough, only moderately durable. Moderately easy to work; it polishes well. The wood is suitable for flooring, joinery, mine props, ship building, vehicle bodies, furniture, cabinet work, handles, ladders, sporting goods, toys, novelties, agricultural implements and turnery[, ].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - it is a good idea to take the seed out of the fruit covering and soak it for an hour or so before sowing. Sow the seeds at a depth of 3 - 5mm below the surface in a well-drained medium. The first seedling appears 9 - 17 days after sowing. All seeds should have germinated after 15 - 29 days[].
The seed of most, if not all, species can be stored inside the fruit for several years without losing viability[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: Type the digit seven into the box