Combretaceae
Terminalia sambesiaca
River Cluster-leaf · Mbombaro
T
Available in our catalogue
We propagate this species and you can order it from our catalogue.
View in catalogue →About
A small to large evergreen tree, growing up to 40 metres tall, it forms a dense crown with layered horizontal branches. Its leaves are elliptic to broadly obovate, usually around 7 cm long, green, and thinly textured with soft hairs. The creamy-white, sometimes pink-tinged flowers appear in axillary spikes and have an unpleasant smell, leading to elliptic, winged fruits that are 4-9 cm long and flush pink when green.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal as a specimen or shade tree in large gardens and landscapes, particularly in restoration efforts along riverine fringes or on rocky hillsides. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy or loamy soils, making it suitable for Kilifi's coastal environment.
Growing notes
This species is known for its rapid growth rate. Once established, it is drought tolerant, requiring watering approximately every 2-3 weeks, with care to avoid waterlogging. It prefers well-drained soils and is sensitive to frost, though this is not a concern in the Kilifi region.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: mozambiqueflora.com, prota4u.org, pfaf.org, theferns.info, zimbabweflora.co.zw, seedsandall.co.za. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.