Combretum kraussii

Combretum kraussii, the forest bushwillow, is a medium-sized to large tree[1] of eastern South Africa, Swaziland and southern Mozambique, which is found within, or in the vicinity of forests.[2] The specific name commemorates Dr. F. Krauss who undertook a collecting trip to South Africa from 1838 to 1840.[1]

Forest bushwillow
C. kraussii winter foliage
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Combretaceae
Genus: Combretum
Species:
C. kraussii
Binomial name
Combretum kraussii

Description

The trees are semi-deciduous, as spring leaves only partially replace old foliage. These forest trees become conspicuous in late spring, when the fresh leaves turn to a pale, almost white colour, before returning to green by mid-summer.[3] In winter the foliage turns partially red or purple, which is shed just before flowering starts.[4] The fresh clusters of four-winged fruit are a colourful red or yellowy red colour, before they dry to mid-brown.[3]

Biochemical

Combretastatin B-1, a type of stilbenoid, can be found in C. kraussii.[5]

Relationships

It is closely related to Combretum nelsonii[2][4] which occurs in rockier habitats, and bears a resemblance to the larger leaved Combretum woodii, which is similarly distributed, but in bushveld.[2]

  • mature tree
  • red winter foliage
  • fruit
  • dry fruit in winter
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References
  1. Le Roux, Lou-Nita; et al. "Combretum kraussii". Retrieved 14 October 2011.
  2. Van Wyk, Braam, Piet (1997). Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik. p. 332. ISBN 1-86825-922-6.
  3. Palgrave, K.C. (1984). Trees of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik. p. 670. ISBN 0-86977-081-0.
  4. Pooley, Elsa (1997). The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand & Transkei. Durban: Natal Flora Publications Trust. p. 358. ISBN 0-620-17697-0.
  5. Uteroactive constituents from Combretum kraussii. Bridget K Brookes, Olga V Doudoukina, Lynn C Katsoulis and Joy H D Veale, South African Journal of Chemistry, Dec 99, Vol. 52, Issue 4, page 127 (abstract)
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