Leadwood Tree (Combretum imberbe)

Family: Combretaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Leadwood Tree or Ivory Tree, Combretum imberbe, is a tropical, slow-growing, deciduous tree of about 21 m tall. Its bark cracks in rectangular flakes and the young branches and twigs have hard spines. The simple, oblong leaves are arranged oppositely and silvery grey in colour with red scales. The flowers are yellowish-green in loose spikes and with four wings. Edible gum is obtained from the tree and used for confectionary.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Edible portion: Gum, Leaves, Fruit, gum. An edible gum is obtained from the tree. A rather clear gum of medium quality. — Edible portion: Gum, Leaves, Fruit, gum.; An edible gum is obtained from the tree.; A rather clear gum of medium quality.

Habitat & North American Range

Open woodland and wooded savannah, especially along rivers; on a wide variety of soils from sandy to limestone outcrops, also on alluvial and black cotton soils, but only occasionally on heavy clay, from sea-level to 1,000 metres. (Zone 10)