Common Name:

General Information

Dombeya biumbellata is a shrub or a small tree that can grow up to 14 metres tall[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild, and also sometimes cultivated, for its useful fibre and medicinal applications.
Dombeya biumbellata experiences continuing decline because of habitat loss due to logging, slash-and-burn agriculture and mining exploitation. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2020)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - central Madagascar

Habitat

Humid forests; at elevations from 950 - 1,400 metres[, ]

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, 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[].
Dombeya biumbellata is frequently planted near villages. The fibre is easy to extract and process. Formerly the bark was beaten with a mallet to obtain barkcloth, later the fibre was extracted by crushing the bark, after which the fibre was combed or scutched, making it suitable for spinning and weaving. Nowadays, the bark is retted to obtain the fibre. The fibre is stored to have it at hand when needed[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An infusion of the flowers is given to young children who have difficulty to urinate[].

Other Uses

The bark is used for tying, and the bark fibre for making rope and weaving cloth. Formerly the bark was made into barkcloth[]. The bark fibre is easy to extract and process. Especially young plants with a thin bark are used, because these yield more beautiful fibre than older plants[].

The wood is white, turning reddish on drying. It is lightweight, soft and brittle, and without important applications[].

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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