Combretum hereroense
Russet bushwillow
Combretum hereroense, commonly known as the Silver Combretum, is a resilient medicinal shrub native to southern Africa. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, various parts of this plant are traditionally utilized to treat ailments such as digestive issues, skin infections, and inflammation, offering significant potential for modern pharmacological research.
- Scientific name: Combretum hereroense
- Family: Combretaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Myrtales, it is situated within the family Combretaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Combretum and carries the species name Combretum hereroense.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Myrtales | WCVP |
| Family | Combretaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Combretum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Combretum hereroense, is referred to by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly called the Russet bushwillow, while in Afrikaans, it is known as the Kierieklapper, and in Tshivenda, it is called Xikhavi.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ts | Xikhavi | Wikidata |
| en | Russet bushwillow | Wikidata |
| af | Kierieklapper | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the African continent, primarily concentrated within the tropical regions. In Northeast Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in Ethiopia, Somalia, and the territories of Sudan and South Sudan. Moving toward East Tropical Africa, the species can also be found growing in Kenya. Furthermore, its range extends southward into Tanzania. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's preference for the diverse landscapes of East and Northeast Africa.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Ethiopia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Uganda | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zambia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Combretum hereroense, utilizes its leaves as a primary component in various traditional medicinal practices. These leaves are often collected and processed to create infusions or decoctions used to treat a variety of ailments, ranging from digestive issues to skin inflammations. The chemical constituents found within the leaf tissue are believed to provide the therapeutic properties necessary for these healing applications.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Combretum hereroense has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include antioxidant activity, saponins.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antioxidant activity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Combretum hereroense has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Mycobacterium smegmatis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, diarrhea, inflammation.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Mycobacterium smegmatis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mycobacterium tuberculosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |