Red Bushwillow

Afrikaans name: Rooiboswilg

Red Bushwillow tree

Photo © Steven Herbert

Combretum apiculatum

The Red Bushwillow is found in areas of dry savanna at low to medium altitudes. In South Africa it is confined to the north-eastern region of the country but it has a widespread distribution in other parts of Africa.

It grows to a maximum height of around 10 metres but they are often much smaller. The leaves are very variable in shape ranging from fairly slender to almost round. The flowers are strongly scented and appear during spring and summer. They range in colour from geenish to yellow. The fruit is reddish-brown in colour and has four wings.

The wood of the Red Bushwillow is not particularly useful as it cannot be cut into large enough planks. It is, however, regularly used to make fence posts. The wood is resistant to borers and white ants.

Leaves of the Red Bushwillow

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 260

A site-by-site guide to trees in the Kruger National Park - Author: Marissa Greeff - Published: 2017 - Page: 66

Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 5th edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2008 - Page: 169

Game Ranger in your Backpack - Author: Megan Emmett and Sean Pattrick - Published: 2013 - Page: 272

Piet van Wyks Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 1st edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 1988 - Page: 169

Pocket Guide - Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2013 - Page: 99

SA Wild Flower Guide No 4 - Transvaal Lowveld - Author: Jo Onderstall - Published: 1984 - Page: 140

Sappi Tree Spotting: Bushveld - 2nd edition - Author: R Grant and V Thomas - Published: 2005 - Page: 106

Sappi Tree Spotting: KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape - 2nd edition - Author: Val Thomas and Rina Grant - Published: 2004 - Page: 136

Sappi Tree Spotting: Lowveld - Author: Jacana - Published: 1997 - Page: 254

Sasol First Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1999 - Page: 23

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 352

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 796

Wild Issue 27 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 82

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