Common Name: Bush Willow

General Information

Combretum erythrophyllum is a small to large, spreading, deciduous tree[, ]. The tree is often multi-stemmed[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine, plus source of a gum, dye material and wood[, , 308]. The plant is sometimes grown as an ornamental and its dried fruits work well in flower arrangements[].

Known Hazards

The fruit, when eaten, causes persistent hiccup[, ].
The tree is probably irritant[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Southern Africa - Zimbabwe, S. Africa.

Habitat

Dry woodland or savannah, especially on river banks; occasional on copper-bearing soils - it is common at low and medium altitudes but occurring up to 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of low to moderate elevations in the drier tropics and subtropics. Once plants are two or more years old, they can tolerate at least some frost[].
Succeeds in full sun and also in partial shade. Tolerant of diverse soils such as heavy black loam, sandy riverine alluvium and granite sand[]. Established plants are surprisingly drought tolerant[].
This species sets lots of seed and seedlings are often to be found under the trees within its native range[]
A fast-growing tree under good conditions, where it can be 4 - 6 metres tall within 3 years from seed[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The tree is said to produce an antibiotic sap[].

The roots, which some regard as poisonous, are used as a purgative and to treat venereal diseases[].

Other Uses

A gum is obtained from the stem[]. Used as a substitute for Gum Tragacanth (obtained from Astragalus spp.)[]. The gum is non-toxic, elastic, producing a non-cracking varnish[].

A dark, rich brown dye is extracted from the roots[].

The wood is used to make ornaments, cattle troughs and grain mortars[].

Propagation

Seed - It grows easily from fresh, unparasitized seed which should be soaked for some hours before sowing. The seedlings appear 7 - 13 days after sowing. The seedlings are frost resistant after two years[].
The tree often self-sows freely in gardens
The seed of most, if not all, species can be stored inside the fruit for several years without losing viability[].

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