About Combretum fruticosum (Loefl.) Stuntz
Common Name and Growth Form
Combretum fruticosum, commonly called the orange flame vine, is a liana.
Height
Without support, it reaches up to 3 metres (9.8 ft) in height, and can grow up to 11 metres (36 ft) tall when it has a support.
Branch Characteristics
Its branches are cylindrical and striated.
Leaf Persistence and Texture
The leaves are persistent to semipersistent, dense and dry.
Leaf Structure and Dimensions
They are simple, oppositely arranged, and sometimes alternate, measuring 6 to 16 cm long and 3 to 8 cm broad, with an entire margin and a short petiole.
Flowering Period and Inflorescence
Flowers appear in summer; they are yellowish to reddish, small, and grouped in axillar spikes 8 to 16 cm long.
Calyx and Corolla Features
The calyx is bell-shaped with 4 lobules 5 mm long, while the corolla has 4 very small petals 1 to 1.5 mm long.
Stamen Characteristics
The 8 stamens are 3 cm long and have reddish anthers.
Inflorescence Flower Count
Each inflorescence holds 52 to 93 flowers.
Fruit Characteristics
The fruit forms in autumn, and is dry, indehiscent, 2 cm long, and reddish brown.
