Achariaceae
Caloncoba crepiniana
- Young leaves.
- Fruit.
- Stamens in flower.
- Very young fruit.
- Flower on leafless branch.
- Leaf base, lower surface.
- Midrib and venation, leaf upper surface.
- Flowers on leafless branches.
General Information
This species has showy, white and yellow flowers, similar to, but slightly larger than, those of Caloncoba welwitschii. There are differences, however, between the two species. One of the most important is that C. crepiniana loses all its leaves each season. This is one of the few deciduous trees in the forest. It is during this leafless period that the tree produces its large flowers, making it a striking sight. The fruit are also very different being smooth and not splitting open in this species. They turn yellowish when ripe. The leaf shape and the smaller, less obvious stipules also distinguish this tree. The slash is pinkish with fine fibres.
Ecology
Disturbed areas and light gaps in terra firma forest.
Distribution
Distribution: CAR to Sudan and DRC.