Combretum microphyllum

Combretum microphyllum Klotzsch

Common names

Flame creeper (English); chitungulu (Nyanja).

General description and distinguishing characteristics

This climbing species ascends to the very top of tall riverine trees, its stems forming looping lianes that use the host trees for support. On reaching the top the plant spreads out widely over the tree canopy. In August and September, it shows why it is aptly named the “flame creeper” when it produces bright red flowers that cover the tree crowns with the colour of flame. Bark grey-brown to creamy-brown with hairy branchlets, especially when young. Leaves simple, opposite, 4.5-11 x 4-6 cm, papery, sub-circular to ovate-oblong, usually greyish hairy when young. Petiole up to 16 mm long. Flowers bright red, produced in large axillary and terminal panicles (August-October). Fruit four or five winged, pink when young, drying to straw-coloured, 2 x 2 cm but sometimes larger, produced in clusters (October-December).

Range and habitat

Combretum microphyllum occurs in Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana and South Africa. In the valley it is found in riverine woodland and thicket.