Combretaceae
Combretum butyrosum
Butter Combretum
L
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Combretum butyrosum is a variable plant, growing as a prostrate shrub, subshrub, large scrambling shrub, liana, or even a small deciduous tree, reaching between 4 and 10 metres in height. Its leaves are opposite, papery to leathery, typically oblong-elliptic with a rounded apex. The plant produces small, fragrant flowers that are whitish to golden yellow, borne in clusters, followed by oily, 4-5-angled or narrowly winged fruits up to 3.7 cm long. The oily fruits are locally used to make a butter, and the plant also provides firewood, charcoal, timber, and ingredients for traditional medicine to treat ailments such as fever, malaria, and stomach problems.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species is well-suited for coastal Kilifi gardens and restoration projects, thriving in full sun and well-drained sandy or coral soils. As a scrambling shrub or liana, it can be grown against structures, allowed to sprawl as groundcover, or integrated into mixed thickets.
Growing notes
Combretum butyrosum can be propagated from seeds or cuttings, preferring a warm, bright location and moist, well-draining soil during establishment. Being native to dry woodlands and savannas of tropical East Africa, it is expected to be drought-tolerant once established.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: theferns.info, selinawamucii.com, jstor.org, kew.org, researchgate.net. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.