Classical name.

Trees, shrubs or, more often, woody climbers. Leaves mostly opposite. Flower clusters axillary or terminal in branched clusters, spikes or heads. Flowers bisexual, 4-5-parted, the petals sometimes absent. Stamens 8-10, sometimes protruding from the flower, as does the style. Fruit a dry, leathery drupe with 5 strong ribs.

Grown mostly as ornamental climbers, occasionally as established trees in old public parks.

230 species, mostly tropical. Australia has 1 native species.

Semi-hardwood cuttings.

Some species, notably C. imberbe Wawra, are sources of perfumes, gums, medicines and dyes.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Combretaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.