Velvet Bushwillow
Combretum molle ?
Tree from area along Magadi Rd., near Olorgasailie, Kenya. Dec. 2014.
As my study of Kenya flora and fauna progresses I must face a steep learning curve. Now that I've read some of the literature about this diverse genus I know next time I encounter a Combretum that will need to pay closer attention to fruit structure, leaf structure, and when present the flowers.
LEAVES: Opposite leaves with entire, smooth margins. Elliptical in shape and 10 to 20 cm long;
undersurface is velvety pubescent.
TREE: Sturdy tree with bark heavily fissured into small rectangular plates.
FLOWERS: The flowers are arrayed in long,
drooping spikes. I did not observe the flower color.
RANGE: Widespread in Kenya; there are reported to be 20 species of Combretum in Kenya.
FRUIT: The fruits are oval and set with 3 to 4 membranous wings.
UNARMED ??