Combretum zeyheri

Large-fruited bushwillow

Combretum zeyheri, commonly known as a versatile medicinal shrub, holds significant importance in traditional healing practices. Native to specific African regions, this plant is valued for its diverse phytochemical properties. It is frequently utilized in herbal remedies to treat various ailments, showcasing its profound therapeutic potential in ethnobotany.

  • Scientific name: Combretum zeyheri
  • Family: Combretaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Myrtales and the family Combretaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its specific genus, Combretum, and its species name, zehyeri.

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 zeyheri, is referred to by several different common names depending on the language and region. In English, it is frequently called the Large-fruited bushwillow or Zeyher's bushwillow, while in Afrikaans, it is known as Raasblaar. Additionally, in Chinese, the species is identified as 大果风车子.
Language Common Name Source
zh 大果风车子 Wikidata
en Large-fruited bushwillow Wikidata
en Zeyher’s bushwillow Wikidata
af Raasblaar Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found growing within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its presence extends into East Tropical Africa, specifically within the territories of Kenya and Tanzania. Moving toward the southern part of the continent, the species is also located in South Tropical Africa. This southern distribution encompasses the countries of both Angola and Malawi.

Region Area Source
West-Central Tropical Africa DR Congo WCVP
East Tropical Africa Kenya WCVP
East Tropical Africa Tanzania WCVP
South Tropical Africa Angola WCVP
South Tropical Africa Malawi WCVP
South Tropical Africa Mozambique WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zambia WCVP
South Tropical Africa Zimbabwe WCVP
Southern Africa Botswana WCVP
Southern Africa Caprivi Strip WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Combretum zeyheri, utilizes its leaves as a primary component in various traditional medicinal applications. Whether referring to the individual leaf or the collection of leaves, these structures are often harvested for their bioactive properties to treat different ailments. The chemical constituents found within the leaf tissue are essential for the plant's therapeutic potential in folk medicine.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Combretum zeyheri has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include saponins.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Combretum zeyheri has 4 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anticancer, Antioxidant.

Total activities
4
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Combretum zeyheri has 10 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, Acinetobacter baumannii, Candida albicans, bacterial infections, fever.

Total uses
10
Scientific sources
11

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Acinetobacter baumannii 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Candida albicans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bacterial infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fever 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hypertension 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
syphilis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tuberculosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wound healing 1 ★☆☆☆☆