About Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC.
Nomenclature
Terminalia sericea Burch. ex DC., commonly called silver cluster-leaf, typically reaches around 9 metres (30 ft) tall when growing in woodland, while isolated specimens may grow up to 23 metres (75 ft) tall.
Bark Characteristics
Its bark is reddish or greyish brown, and peels away in strips.
Leaf Structure
The bluish-green leaves are usually clustered at the tips of branches; they are ovate with entire margins, and both the upper and lower leaf surfaces are covered in silvery hairs.
Flower Characteristics
The white flowers grow on short axilliary spikes, have an unpleasant smell, and may be pollinated by flies.
Fruit Development
The fruits are winged nuts that hold a single seed, turning darker pink as they ripen.
Fruit Dispersal
Fruits may stay attached to the branch for up to a year, and are dispersed by wind.
Fruit Abnormalities
They sometimes become contorted and hairy due to activity from parasitic insect larvae.
Species Distribution
Silver cluster-leaf is endemic to Africa, occurring from Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo southwards to South Africa.
Habitat
It grows in open mixed woodland on sandy soils, and is often found growing alongside miombo (Brachystegia spp.), mopane (Colophospermum mopane), Acacia spp. and bush willows (Combretum spp.).
Ecological Role
It is often one of the dominant species in this type of mixed woodland.
Timber Properties
The timber of silver cluster-leaf is yellow with a hard grain, and is resistant to attack by wood-boring insects and termites.
Timber Uses
This timber is used in building construction, and to make tool handles, furniture, and fencing posts.
Fuel Uses
It is also used for firewood and to make charcoal.
Bark Uses
The bark has been used to make ropes, and is pounded to produce a material for waterproofing boats.
Forage Use
Cattle eat the leaves during the dry season when grass is not available.
Medicinal Leaf and Root Uses
In traditional medicine, both the leaves and roots are used as a remedy for stomach ailments.
Root Concoction Uses
A root concoction is used to treat bilharzia, diarrhoea, and pneumonia.
Medicinal Bark Uses
The bark is used to treat diabetes and to dress wounds.
