Combretum afrum, commonly known as Cape bushwillow, is a species of tree native to South Africa. It is endemic to the Cape Provinces.

Biochemistry

In C. afrum, combretastatins A-1, A-4 and B-1 can be found.Isolation, structure, and synthesis of combretastatins A-1 and B-1, potent new inhibitors of microtubule assembly, derived from Combretum caffrum(sic). Pettit, G R : Singh, S B : Niven, M L : Hamel, E : Schmidt, J M, J-Nat-Prod. 1987 Jan–Feb; 50(1): 119–31

Taxonomy The etymology of the original species name caffrum is related to kaffir, an ethnic slur used towards black people in Africa. At the July 2024 International Botanical Congress, a vote was held with the result that "caffrum" related names will be emended to afrum related ones, with the implementation of this happening by the end of July 2024.

References