Taxonomic characteristics of the genus Combretum Loefl. in Vietnam
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56764/hpu2.jos.2026.5.02.24-30- Keywords:
- Combretaceae
- Combretum
- taxonomy
- Vietnam
- identification key
Abstract
The genus Combretum Loefl. encompasses around 250 species, predominantly inhabiting tropical and subtropical zones. However, updated taxonomic clarification for the genus in Vietnam remains limited. In Vietnam, the genus comprises 11 species and 1 variety, which are found along forest edges, stream banks, and ravines of secondary forests scattered all over the country, rarely cultivated. Characterized as woody climbers, or straggling, rarely small trees; leaves simple, opposite, whorled, lower surface often scaly and often with domatia (shapes tufted hairs in axils of lateral veins); flowers bisexual; stamens usually exserted from calyx tube; disk usually present; ovaries inferior, 1-loculed; fruits dry, indehiscent; 4-5-winged, or 4-5-ridged; seed with cotyledons convolute and without endosperm. Combretum species contribute significantly to forest ecosystem dynamics and offer diverse applications. Among them, Combretum micranthum and Combretum quadrangulare were assessed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2025, but are listed as Least Concern (LC). Nine species are utilized in traditional medicine, and one species (Combretum micranthum) is used for ornamental purposes.
This study presents a comprehensive account of the genus Combretum in Vietnam, detailing its key morphological features, patterns of distribution, habitat preferences, ecological functions, and practical uses. Additionally, a dichotomous identification key is proposed to aid in distinguishing all taxa found in the flora of Vietnam.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Hong-Anh Le, Quynh-Chi Pham, Thi-Thuy Nguyen, Thanh-Hoa Mai, Minh-Tam Ha
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
