Combretum zeyheri

Combretum zeyheri, the large-fruited bushwillow, is a medium-sized deciduous tree with a rounded crown. It may reach 10 m in height, usually not becoming that tall. Some of the growth may happen sideways in low branches or multiple stems in angled shapes. The species is listed as SA Tree No. 546.

The distribution of C. zeyheri lies in the northern regions of South Africa, only a small part of it south of the border. A bigger distribution occurs in several southern African countries. The tree is confined to low or medium altitudes from 50 m to 1500 m. The habitat is bushveld or savannah, rocky slopes and riverine forests where hot, rainy summers and dry, dusty winters are the norm.

The wood is used as general purpose timber, its benefits including hardness, termite- and borer-proof durability, the big bulk available per mature tree, an attractive yellowish-brown colour and being easy to work. The fibrous roots of the tree are woven into baskets and fishing traps by indigenous tribes. The gum is edible. Several traditional medicinal concoctions are prepared using roots and leaves.

The fresh yellow-green leaves and flowers are seen at the beginning of the growing season. The photo was taken on 20 September in the southern hemisphere spring (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Schmidt, et al, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997).