drawings of a river bushwillow tree

Combretum kraussii Picture courtesy www.wildflowernursery.co.za Condensed Version:

The forest bushwillow, with its attractive shape and dense canopy, is one of our most decorative garden trees. It varies in size from 5 to 15m tall with a 4 to 8m spread, depending on climate and  has a well-shaped crown and a single trunk about 80cm in diameter, with a smooth grey to dark grey bark which becomes flaky with age. This tree is classified as mostly evergreen or semi-deciduous, as the spring leaves only partially replace the old foliage. Its beautiful spring and summer foliage, white flowers and eye-catching winged fruits, together with the rich hues of its autumn and winter foliage, make it a good all year round tree. It will grow in sun and shade, is low maintenance, fast-growing, and tolerates moderate drought and frost. The forest bushwillow makes an excellent specimen shade tree and is suitable for small gardens. Because it can be planted in groves it is also useful when adding background foliage to large garden beds. Cultivated specimens tend to retain many lower branches, so if you are growing it as a shade tree, prune out the lower branches; but for a screening effect retain the lower branches. Because its roots are unlikely to lift paving, it is suitable for large parks and office parks, avenues, pavements and carparks. It can even be grown in large containers if fertilised and watered regularly. This indigenous tree will provide roosting and nesting sites for many types of birds and the seeds may be eaten by some birds. The nectar in the flowers will attract bees and many butterflies to the garden.

Choose a site in full sun or semi-shade to shade, and prepare the planting holes well, adding lots of compost and a generous dressing of bone meal or superphosphate. Although mature trees are fully hardy, young trees will need winter protection when still young. Although moderately drought hardy, it will look at its best in the garden if watered moderately during dry spells. Mulch the roots and feed occasionally with a balanced organic fertiliser.

Full Version:

Description, History & Interesting Facts:

The forest bushwillow is endemic to southern Africa, growing wild nowhere else in the world. It is can be found from the coast to the midlands in the eastern regions of South Africa; from the Eastern Cape to Kwa-Zulu Natal and neighbouring Lesotho, Swaziland and southern Mozambique. It's habitat ranges from evergreen forests or forest margins to dense woodlands and rocky hillsides, grasslands and savannah-bushveld; and at altitudes from almost sea level up to 1 200m.

 This is a fast growing, shapely, medium to large tree that varies in size from 5 to 15m tall with a 4 to 8m spread, depending on climate. It has a well-shaped crown and a single trunk about 80cm in diameter, with a smooth grey to dark grey bark which becomes flaky with age. This tree is classified as mostly evergreen or semi-deciduous, as the spring leaves only partially replace the old foliage. In autumn and winter the leaves turn brilliant shades of bright red to purple, dropping most of them just before producing small, creamy-white flowers on dense, short spikes, from about August to November, or even January in some regions. When in bloom, some trees will lose the chlorophyll in their leaves surrounding the flowers, turning them white and putting on quite a show. The fresh spring leaves turn a lovely bright green in summer. Small but showy four-winged fruit clusters follow the flowers from about February to June. They are light to dark red and turn a conspicuous brownish red when dry and each fruit has one wrinkled seed. Bushwillow's are pollinated by various insects, including bees and the wing-like fruit structure is adapted to wind dispersal. Various animals are also known to eat the fruit, thereby dispersing the seeds.

Uses:

Traditionally the roots are dried and powdered to use as an enema to cleanse the system, or as a tonic to improve the appetite. Certain parts of the tree are used to produce antidiuretics, lotions for eye infections, as well as antiseptics. The pliable young stems are used in basket-making; and the yellowish wood is tough, but the sawdust can cause skin irritation.

In the Garden:

The forest bushwillow, with its attractive shape and dense canopy, is one of our most decorative garden trees. Its beautiful spring and summer foliage, white flowers and eye-catching winged fruits, together with the rich hues of its autumn and winter foliage, make it a good all year round tree. It will grow in sun and shade, is low maintenance, fast-growing, and tolerates moderate drought and frost. The forest bushwillow makes an excellent specimen shade tree and is suitable for small gardens. Because it can be planted in groves it is also useful when adding background foliage to large garden beds. Cultivated specimens tend to retain many lower branches, so if you are growing it as a shade tree, prune out the lower branches; but for a screening effect retain the lower branches. Because its roots are unlikely to lift paving, it is suitable for large parks and office parks, avenues, pavements and carparks. It can even be grown in large containers if fertilised and watered regularly. This indigenous tree will provide roosting and nesting sites for many types of birds and the seeds may be eaten by some birds. The nectar in the flowers will attract bees and many butterflies to the garden.

Cultivation:

Choose a site in full sun or semi-shade to shade, and prepare the planting holes well, adding lots of compost and a generous dressing of bone meal or superphosphate. Although mature trees are fully hardy, young trees will need winter protection when still young. This tree responds well to pruning and can be pruned into shape when still small to form a perfect shade tree on screen. The roots are not aggressive and if cared for correctly the river bushwillow can grow about 1m per year. Although moderately drought hardy, it will look at its best in the garden if watered moderately during dry spells. Mulch the roots and feed occasionally with a balanced organic fertiliser.

Propagation:

 Combretum kraussii produces lots of fruits and grows easily and quickly from seed; but the fruit should first be checked for parasites before sowing. Indications of parasites being present are small circular holes in the body or a gummy excrescence. Store the seed in a dry place until you are ready to sow and soak in warm water for about an hour before sowing. Sow the seeds 3 to 5mm deep into small pots, and ensure that your growing medium drains very well. Germination should take 9 to 29 days after sowing.  Do not overwater the young seedlings and protect them from severe heat and cold for the first year.

Pests & Diseases:

This tree does not suffer from any serious pests or diseases but cutworms can cause damage to seedlings. Also look out for aphids and red spider.

Poisonous:

Not poisonous.

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Source: https://www.gardeninginsouthafrica.co.za/trees/forest-bushwillow-bosvaderlandswilg-modubu-imbondvo-lemhlophe-muvuvhu-thavha-ulandile-umdubu-wehlathi-combretum-kraussii

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