Combretaceae
Combretum aculeatum
Goat's Groundnut · Mlalozi
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Combretum aculeatum is a deciduous scrambling shrub, typically growing 0.5-4 metres tall but capable of scandent growth up to 8 metres, featuring grey or reddish-brown bark. Its small, pale green leaves are elliptic to obovate, often with a notched tip, and older twigs develop distinctive recurved spines from persistent leaf stalks. Fragrant yellowish-white flowers appear in racemes, followed by small, pale yellow or reddish 5-winged fruits.
Where it works in Kilifi
This shrub thrives in full sun and various soil types, including sandy or clayey, making it suitable for restoration in semi-arid areas, especially along watercourses. It can be planted as a live fence or as part of a wildlife-friendly landscape due to its value as fodder for local herbivores.
Growing notes
This species reproduces readily from seed, with flowering occurring at the end of the dry season or beginning of the rainy season. It is drought-tolerant once established and responds well to coppicing, though its above-ground parts are susceptible to fire.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: worldagroforestry.org, jstor.org, theferns.info, prota4u.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.