Common Name:

General Information

Dombeya australis is a shrub or a small tree that usually grows up to 8 metres tall but can reach 12 - 14 metres. The bole is around 10cm in diameter[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of fibre and wood.
Dombeya australis is threatened by habitat loss due to human activities such as shifting agriculture, illegal logging and mining. Those threats are resulted in a decline in the number of mature individuals and subpopulations, and the quality of habitat. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - southeast Madagascar

Habitat

Littoral forests on sandy soils, occasionally in low-elevation humid forest, sometimes along creeks; at elevations up to 105 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

In cultivation, species in this genus generally grow best in a moist but well-drained, fertile soil and a position in full sun or partial shade[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The bark is a useful local source of fibre. The fibre is usually extracted after retting, and combed[, ].

The wood is locally used for construction, fuelwood[, ].

Propagation

Seed is very small but can be extracted from fully ripened, dry flower heads. Its viability declines within 3 months, so fresh seed has to be used for sowing. Seed is to be sown in properly drained seedbeds. Seedlings emerge in about 3 weeks[].
Cuttings of semi-ripe wood, preferably with some bottom heat to encourage rooting[].

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