Common Name:

General Information

Combretum mossambicense is a deciduous shrub or small tree growing up to 4 metres tall and 3 metres wide. It usually adopts a more or less climbing habit, scrambling into the surrounding vegetation.
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. A very ornamental plant, producing masses of lovely, fluffy, fragrant, pink-white flowers that resemble small powder puffs. They are displayed on the bare branches in early spring[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Tropical Africa - Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, southern DR Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, northern S. Africa.

Habitat

Low-lying bushveld and thicket in hot, dry areas, on hills (koppies) and often near rivers[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	4.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Found mainly in the drier areas of the tropics and subtropics, where it can be found at elevations up to 1,675 metres[]. Plants can tolerate at lease some frost[]. They can tolerate temperatures ranging from about -4°c up to 40°c, perhaps even higher[].
Grows best in a sunny position[]. Prefers a fertile, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter[]. Established plants are fairly drought resistant[].
A moderately fast-growing plant[].
Plants can be pruned back heavily into the old wood if required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The roots and leaves, combined with the roots and leaves of Acalypha villicaulis, are crushed and boiled in plenty of water - the extract produced is used to steam the face to reduce swelling caused by a tooth abscess, or for eye inflammations. Hot compresses are also made from the dregs[]. The extract is also used for gargling or eye baths, or it is tossed onto red-hot coals and the steam is used to ease swollen body parts[]. The liquid can also be rubbed into small scratches over the affected areas[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -
The seed of most, if not all, species can be stored inside the fruit for several years without losing viability[].

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