The genus Salix, as recognised in 2019, is comprised of probably more than 300 distinct species (over 500 if you also accept hybrid species). Many of these species are very similar, sometimes being separated as much by native range as by any other characteristic. Hybridization between species is common, when this is coupled with the high genetic and morphological variability within many species, and different levels of ploidy, the complexity of this genus is clear.
Misidentification of specimens is not rare, even amongst botanists, and many records of plant use will often equally apply to one or more related species that were not seen as distinct when the report was made. Equally, several species not included in the database will be found to have a range of these uses. In general, all species in the genus have medicinal uses, especially as antiinflammatories, analgesics and febrifuges, they can all serve as emergency foods, many of them have flexible stems and can be used in basket making, and many of them can be planted in moist to wet conditions in order to stabilize the soil and improve wildlife habitats.

Common Name:

General Information

Salix mucronata is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree, growing from 2 - 15 metres tall. Tree forms have an open crown with slightly drooping branches[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its branches, which are used in basket making, and for its leaves, which are used medicinally and also to make a dye.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Africa - widely distributed from N. Africa to S. Africa.

Habitat

Along the sides of rivers[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants can withstand at least some frost[].
Prefers a sunny position. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaf is a mild laxative[, ]. A tea is made to treat rheumatism[]. Used as a laxative in human and veterinary medicine[].

The powdered bark is applied to burns[]., and brewing tea from the leaves to treat rheumatism. The tea also acts as a mild laxative[].

Other Uses

The branches are used for making baskets[, ].

A black dye is obtained from the leaves[]. It is used for dyeing mats[].

The wood is carved to make household, as well as decorative items[].

Propagation

Seed -
Cuttings are easy, with even large branches rooting[].

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