Combretum dolichopetalum

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  • Herbarium No: UPH NO.209
  • Combretum dolichopetalum
  • Engl. & Diels
  • Botanical Name/Scientific Name: Combretum dolichopetalum
  • Genus: Combretum
  • Synonym: Combretum comosum var. dolichopetalum (Engl. & Diels) Jongkind
  • Common/Local Name(s): Forest Bushwillow
  • Family: Combretaceae
  • Botanical Description: Combretum dolichopetalum, is a deciduous tree or large shrub, typically growing to a height of 15 to 20 meters (49 to 65 feet) in forested environments. It exhibits a spreading canopy with a somewhat rounded shape. The bark of the tree is grey to brownish, relatively smooth with a flaky texture, often peeling in older specimens. The leaves are simple, opposite or subopposite, and usually oblong to elliptic in shape. They typically measure between 7 to 15 cm in length. Leaves are dark green and smooth, with a paler green underside. They may turn yellow before falling off during the dry season. he flowers of Combretum dolichopetalum are borne on elongated spikes, which can be quite conspicuous when the tree is in full bloom. Flowers are usually yellow to orange, small, and tubular, with long, thin petals that splay outwards, giving them a characteristic star-like appearance. Flowering typically occurs during the early dry season, which varies regionally but generally falls around late winter to early spring. The fruit of the Forest Bushwillow is a four-winged samara, typical of the Combretum genus. The wings help in wind dispersal. Mature fruits are initially green, turning reddish-brown as they dry and mature. The presence of these winged fruits gives the tree a distinctive appearance after the flowering season.
  • Flowering/Fruiting: Flowers around November to January.Fruiting is around February to April.
  • Plant Uses: Medicinal Uses, Timber and Firewood, Ecological Benefits and Ornamental Use.
  • Origin: Introduced
  • Locality: Eagle Island Near River State University Port Harcourt.
  • Habit: Tree
  • Mode: Wild

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