Cleistanthus polystachyus Hook.f. ex Planch.
Common names
Forest umzithi (English); kampangala, mukonde-unono (Bemba).
General description and distinguishing characteristics
Cleistanthus polystachyus is an evergreen tree up to 12m in height but sometimes larger. Bark grey-brown, smooth to rough with rectangular reticulation; branchlets purple-brown with lenticels. Leaves simple, alternate, thinly leathery, dark green above, paler below. Leaves oblong to elliptic with an acuminate apex, 5-11 x 2-4cm, margins wavy; petiole up to 2.5cm long. Flowers appear in sprays up to 5 cm long, comprising up to 40 sweetly scented flowers. Individual flowers creamy white, typically 10mm in diameter. Pedicels and buds covered with short golden brown hairs (September-November). Fruit a 3-lobed, pale brown, densely hairy capsule that splits to releasesmooth, brown seeds (December-January).
Range and habitat
Cleistanthus polystachyus occurs throughout tropical Africa and has its origins in the Guineo-Congolian region. C. polystachyus subsp. polystachyus is a rainforest tree in equatorial Africa. In our region, C. polystachyus subsp. milleri is associated with evergreen forests and riverine fringe vegetation. In the Luangwa Valley, it is found occasionally in riverine fringe vegetation along the major rivers.