Categories: Combretaceae

Velvet bushwillow (Combretum molle, Trans. Linn. Soc. London 15: 431 (1827))

Family: Combretaceae

Author: R.Br. ex G.Don

Bibliography: Trans. Linn. Soc. London 15: 431 (1827)

Year: 1827

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Combretum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, Arabian Pen.

Description

The Velvet Bushwillow, scientifically referred to as Combretum molle, is a distinctive and widely distributed tree, rooted in the Combretaceae family. First documented in 1827, this species has garnered attention for its adaptability and striking characteristics.

The tree graces a range of geographical landscapes, spanning from Tropical to Southern Africa and extending into the Arabian Peninsula. This extensive distribution underscores its resiliency and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, from savannas to forest margins.

Combretum molle is renowned for its velvety leaves, contributing to its common name, Velvet Bushwillow. These leaves are typically soft to the touch, an adaptation that potentially reduces water loss and offers some protection against herbivory. The tree’s bark and foliage often assume a subtle grey-green hue, blending harmoniously with its surroundings.

Flowering in abundance, the Velvet Bushwillow produces small, yellowish-white flowers that attract various pollinators, ensuring the continuation of its species. These flowers eventually give way to winged fruits, a characteristic common to the Combretaceae family, which aids in seed dispersal by wind.

Ecologically, Combretum molle plays a significant role in its native habitats. It provides critical habitat and food resources for a myriad of wildlife species, from insects to larger animals that rely on its leaves and fruits. Additionally, the tree’s presence can influence soil stabilization and prevent erosion, particularly in regions where vegetation cover is sparse.

In traditional medicine, parts of the Velvet Bushwillow have been utilized for their purported therapeutic properties. Various cultures harness the plant’s bark, roots, and leaves to address a range of ailments, reflecting its botanical and cultural significance.

Combretum molle stands as a testament to nature’s resilience and the intricate connections within ecosystems. Its widespread presence across such diverse regions speaks to its evolutionary success and its integral role in maintaining the balance of its native habitats.

Common Names

Run: kibingo
Kin: umurama
En: Velvet bushwillow
Af: Fluweelboswilg
Am: የቆላ ኣባሎ
Ar: قمبريط لين
Fi: Silkkikombretum
Rw: Umurama
Rn: Kibingo
Ru: Комбретум бархатнолистный
Zu: UmBondwe-omhlope

Synonyms

Combretum lepidotum (A.Rich.)
Combretum ferrugineum (A.Rich.)
Combretum atelanthum (Diels)
Combretum schimperianum (A.Rich.)
Combretum bricchettii (Engl. & Diels)
Combretum quartinianum (A.Rich.)
Combretum splendens (Engl.)
Combretum trichanthum var. angustifolium (Fiori)
Combretum ellipticum (Sim)
Combretum deserti (Engl.)
Combretum trichanthum var. petitianum ((A.Rich.) Fiori)
Combretum trichanthum (Fresen.)
Combretum splendens var. nyikae ((Engl.) Engl.)
Combretum gueinzii subsp. splendens ((Engl.) Exell ex Brenan)
Combretum tenuispiscatum (Engl.)
Combretum gueinzii var. holosericeum ((Sond.) Exell ex Rendle)
Combretum vernicosum (Fenzl)
Combretum galpinii (Engl. & Diels)
Combretum gondense (F.Hoffm.)
Terminalia hirta (Steud. ex A.Rich.)
Combretum dekindtiana (Engl.)
Combretum velutinum var. glabrum (Aubrév.)
Combretum minimipetalum (Chiov.)
Combretum insculptum (Engl. & Diels)
Combretum ulugurense (Engl. & Diels)
Combretum nyikae (Engl.)
Combretum sublancifolium (Chiov.)
Combretum schelei (Engl.)
Combretum somalense (Engl. & Diels)
Combretum ankolense (Bagsh.)
Combretum sokodense (Engl. ex Diels)
Combretum rueppellianum (A.Rich.)
Combretum hobol (Engl. & Diels)
Combretum microlepidotum (Engl.)
Combretum boehmii (Engl.)
Combretum holosericeum (Sond.)
Combretum richardianum (Van Heurck & Müll.Arg.)
Combretum holtzii (Diels)
Poivrea coccinea var. velutina ((DC.) Tul.)
Combretum gueinzii (Sond.)
Combretum welwitschii (Engl. & Diels)
Combretum obtusatum (Engl. & Diels)
Combretum petitianum (A.Rich.)
Combretum arbuscula (Engl. & Gilg)
Combretum arengense (Sim)
Combretum velutinum (DC.)
Combretum punctatum (A.Rich.)