Combretum
Combretum imberbe
This species is known locally as mhama, and in English as leadwood. It is a medium-sized tree found along the edges of non-seasonal lakes and in some seasonally flooded areas. The species is found in similar habitats from Tanzania to South Africa. It usually forks low down to form a rounded shrubby crown. It has grey-green simple leaves about 6cm long that are arranged alternately along the stems. The bark is rough and cracks vertically into a netted pattern (reticulate). The inconspicuous pale green flowers form spikes, which are characteristic of this plant family. These are produced in the short rains, and are followed by 4-winged fruit that are only about 1.5cm long; smaller than most Combretaceae. The tree resembles a willow in its appearance and habitat.
Recently the timber of this tree has begun to be harvested from the District for export. It is reddish-brown, hard, oily and has an attractive fine grain. It is very termite resistant.
 C. imberbe log
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 C. imberbe slash mark
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