About Combretum erythrophyllum (Burch.) Sond.
Species Identification and Size
Combretum erythrophyllum (Burch.) Sond. is a small to medium-sized tree, growing 7 to 12 m tall.
Growth Form and Hardiness
It has a straight or multi-stemmed bole and a dense spreading crown, and it is hardy to both frost and drought.
Distribution and Habitat
This species grows in riverine bush or areas with sufficient groundwater in Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Wasp Interaction with Fruit
Ecologically, wasps lay their eggs in the walls of its fruit, and the larvae feed on the seeds inside the fruit.
Southern Black Tit Feeding Behavior
The southern black tit taps the fruit to check for larvae inside; when larvae are discovered, the bird opens the fruit and eats the larvae.
Herbivory of Leaves
Leaves of Combretum erythrophyllum are browsed by giraffe, elephant, bushbuck and nyala.
Root Medicinal Uses
For medicinal uses, the roots, which are regarded as poisonous, are used as a purgative and to treat venereal diseases.
Bark Medicinal Preparation
Bark is mixed with other herbs to make a decoction, which is drunk as a quarter cup in the morning and evening for sores.
Fruit Toxicity
The fruit are regarded as poisonous and reputedly cause hiccups.
