Leadwood

Combretum imberbe

Native to:
Angola, Botswana, Caprivi Strip, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Combretaceae
Genus:
Combretum
Species:
Combretum imberbe
USDA Symbol:
COIM2

Growth Characteristics

Height:
2000 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
sep,oct,nov,dec
Bloom Colors:
yellow, cream

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, elephants, browsers
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Mature trees have thick, corky bark that protects them from savanna fires. Resprouts from the base after fire damage.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
Commonly found in savanna regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Fresh seed germinates readily without pretreatment. Soaking seeds for 24 hours may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI