Large-fruited Bushwillow

Afrikaans name: Raasblaar

Large-fruited Bushwillow

Photo © Steven Herbert

Combretum zeyheri

The Large-fruited Bushwillow can grow up to a height of 10 metres and is found in the north-eastern region of South Africa. Beyond our borders it is widely distributed.

The Afrikaans name of 'Raasblaar' is roughly translated as 'noisy leaf' and refers to the rustling noise that the leaves make in the wind.

The leaves of the Large-fruited Bush Willow are oval shaped and around 16 cm in length. The flowers are greenish-yellow. The seeds are quite large and have four wings.

The wood of this tree is used for a variety of purposes as it is resistant to termites and borers. The leaves are used, in traditional medicine, for a variety of treatments ranging from harmorrhoids to backache.

Above - Leaves of the Large-fruited Bushwillow

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

The Complete Field Guide to Trees of Natal, Zululand and Transkei - Author: Elsa Pooley - Published: 1994 - Page: 360

Trees of Southern Africa - 3rd edition - Author: Keith Coates Palgrave - Published: 2002 - Page: 812

Sappi Tree Spotting: Lowveld - Author: Jacana - Published: 1997 - Page: 262

Piet van Wyks Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 1st edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 1988 - Page: 177

Common Trees of the Highveld - Author: Drummond & Coates Palgrave - Published: 1973 - Page: 22

Field Guide to the Trees of the Kruger National Park - 5th edition - Author: Piet van Wyk - Published: 2008 - Page: 177

A Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa - Author: E. Palmer - Published: 1983 - Page: 259

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