Combretum

Combretum, commonly known as bushwillow, is a versatile genus of flowering plants native to tropical Africa. Renowned for its medicinal properties, various species are utilized in traditional healing to treat ailments ranging from digestive issues to inflammation. Its diverse chemical compounds make it a significant subject in ethnobotanical research.

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

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Myrtales, it is classified under the family Combretaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Combretum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Myrtales WCVP
Family Combretaceae WCVP
Genus Combretum WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of locations across the African continent. In Northern Africa, its presence is noted within the Western Sahara region. Moving into West Tropical Africa, the species can be found growing in Benin and Burkina. It is also widely distributed throughout the Gambia. Finally, the plant's geographical reach extends further into Ghana.

Region Area Source
Northern Africa Western Sahara WCVP
West Tropical Africa Benin WCVP
West Tropical Africa Burkina WCVP
West Tropical Africa Gambia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ghana WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea-Bissau WCVP
West Tropical Africa Guinea WCVP
West Tropical Africa Ivory Coast WCVP
West Tropical Africa Liberia WCVP
West Tropical Africa Mali WCVP

Chemicals

Combretum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Tannins, arjunglucoside I, flavonoids, stilbenes, terpenes.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
arjunglucoside I 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stilbenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Combretum has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Diuretic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Combretum has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include infections, bleeding, diarrhea, inflammation, malaria.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
infections 2 ★☆☆☆☆
bleeding 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diarrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
malaria 1 ★☆☆☆☆