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Reference · Crops

Combretaceae

The Combretaceae family is a significant group of flowering plants, predominantly consisting of trees, shrubs, and lianas. Distributed primarily across tropical and subtropical regions, this family includes several economically vital genera, such as Terminalia and Combretum, which are widely recognized in both forestry and commercial horticulture.

Main sections

Combretum44 Terminalia9 Bucida3 Lumnitzera2 Rangoon Creeper2 Combretum1 Conocarpus1 Guiera1 Laguncularia1
63 sections

What the section contains

Bucida Bucida 3 items Combretum Combretum Loefl. 1 item Combretum Combretum 44 items Combretum collinum Combretum collinum Conocarpus Conocarpus 1 item Guiera Guiera 1 item Laguncularia Laguncularia 1 item Lumnitzera Lumnitzera 2 items Purple-pod terminalia Terminalia prunioides Rangoon Creeper Quisqualis 2 items Silver cluster leaf Terminalia sericea Southern terminalia Terminalia australis Terminalia Terminalia 9 items Terminalia albida Terminalia albida Terminalia anisoptera Terminalia anisoptera Terminalia anogeissiana Terminalia anogeissiana Terminalia arenicola Terminalia arenicola Terminalia aridicola Terminalia aridicola Terminalia avicennioides Terminalia avicennioides Terminalia bellirica Terminalia bellirica Terminalia bentzoe Terminalia bentzoe Terminalia bialata Terminalia bialata Terminalia boivinii Terminalia boivinii Terminalia brachystemma Terminalia brachystemma Terminalia brownii Terminalia brownii Terminalia buceras Terminalia buceras Terminalia calamansanai Terminalia calamansanai Terminalia chebula Terminalia chebula Terminalia chicharronia Terminalia chicharronia Terminalia citrina Terminalia citrina Terminalia elliptica Terminalia elliptica Terminalia engleri Terminalia engleri Terminalia ferdinandiana Terminalia ferdinandiana Terminalia foetidissima Terminalia foetidissima Terminalia gazensis Terminalia gazensis Terminalia glaucescens Terminalia glaucescens Terminalia grandiflora Terminalia grandiflora Terminalia kaernbachii Terminalia kaernbachii Terminalia kuhlmannii Terminalia kuhlmannii Terminalia laxiflora Terminalia laxiflora Terminalia leiocarpa Terminalia leiocarpa Terminalia macroptera Terminalia macroptera Terminalia melanocarpa Terminalia melanocarpa Terminalia mollis Terminalia mollis Terminalia muelleri Terminalia muelleri Terminalia myriocarpa Terminalia myriocarpa Terminalia myrtifolia Terminalia myrtifolia Terminalia oblongata Terminalia oblongata Terminalia paniculata Terminalia paniculata Terminalia petiolaris Terminalia petiolaris Terminalia phanerophlebia Terminalia phanerophlebia Terminalia phellocarpa Terminalia phellocarpa Terminalia phillyreifolia Terminalia phillyreifolia Terminalia platyphylla Terminalia platyphylla Terminalia procera Terminalia procera Terminalia randii Terminalia randii Terminalia sericocarpa Terminalia sericocarpa Terminalia spinosa Terminalia spinosa Terminalia stenostachya Terminalia stenostachya Terminalia stuhlmannii Terminalia stuhlmannii

Combretaceae

Botanically, these plants are identified by their simple, entire leaves and small flowers, which are often arranged in spikes or racemes. The reproductive structures are highly specialized; the fruits, which are often winged or drupe-like, serve as a primary mechanism for seed dispersal in various tropical environments, allowing these species to colonize diverse ecological niches efficiently.

To cultivate Combretaceae successfully, one must ensure a consistent tropical climate with ample sunlight and well-draining soil profiles. While some species show tolerance to various soil types, the fundamental requirement remains the prevention of root waterlogging, which is the leading cause of plant failure and susceptibility to soil-borne pathogens in managed landscapes.

In terms of economic utility, the family is highly valued for its diverse range of products. Many species are harvested for their timber, which is often dense and resistant to decay. Furthermore, several members of this family are essential in medicinal applications, providing high-quality tannins and antioxidants that are highly sought after by the global pharmaceutical and health sectors.

Management of pests and diseases is crucial for maintaining productivity in plantations. Common threats include fungal diseases caused by high humidity and various infestations by lepidopteran larvae. Effective agricultural practices involve integrated pest management, including regular pruning, proper spacing to improve air circulation, and the timely application of fungicides to prevent economic losses.