Combretum micranthum

Kinkeliba ( Combretum micranthum )

The Kinkeliba ( Combretum micranthum ) is a species of the genus of long filaments ( Combretum ). In the Mandinka language it is called in Wolof and Kinkiliba Segweou.

Occurrence

Combretum micranthum is native to West Africa. The Kinkeliba is one of the most common types of tiger bush and comes often to inselbergs and locations with Lateritkruste ago.

Description

This shrub reaches a maximum height of 3 meters.

Use

The Kinkeliba ( in the notation Quinquéliba ) is well adapted to the dry climate of the Sahel and is used as a fodder crop for ruminants. During the rainy season it is mainly eaten by sheep. It occurs mainly in low-lying pastures.

The Kinkeliba has numerous applications in traditional medicine. Thus, a tea from the leaves is drunk preventative against malaria, the fresh leaves are chewed for stomach pain and diarrhea. A decoction of the roots is to help against syphilis and worm infestation.