Leadwood Tree
Combretum imberbefam. Combretaceae
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Pl. E5A1 — Combretum imberbe
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IOverview
Overview
The Leadwood Tree (Combretum imberbe) is a large deciduous tree native to the savannas and woodlands of Angola, Botswana, Caprivi Strip, KwaZulu-Natal, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Northern Provinces, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Known for its light-loving nature, it thrives in moist conditions with a preference for light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. This tree can grow up to 10 meters tall and is valued both as an ornamental plant and for its edible fruit and leaves. Its distinctive feature includes the ability to produce a hard wood that is highly resistant to decay, making it useful in various applications beyond its botanical value.
Quick answers
What is Leadwood Tree?
The Leadwood Tree (Combretum imberbe) is a large deciduous tree native to the savannas and woodlands of Angola, Botswana, Caprivi Strip, KwaZulu-Natal, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Northern Provinces, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Leadwood Tree thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-12. The tree grows to about 10 meters tall and is native to Angola, Botswana, Caprivi Strip, KwaZulu-Natal, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Northern Provinces, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It can be propagated through various methods, with its fruit and leaves being edible parts of the plant.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Leadwood Tree for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, full-sun Leadwood Tree for your beginner garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Leadwood Tree sapling and well-draining soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early summer when the weather is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of light, medium, and heavy soils. Ensure good drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young saplings directly into the ground or a large pot.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape. Harvest leaves and fruit as needed for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor drainage soil, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:Fire starterLumberGumPest controlPaintTanninTeethCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 12 native
Africa9 regions
native (9)AngolaBotswanaEswatiniMalawiMozambiqueNamibiaTanzaniaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces, Caprivi Strip
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
2 related
See also
2 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Combretaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Combretaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · e5a14671-9599-4568-8de3-c0c302837e6f
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