Combretum in flower at Silkaatsnek

There are about 370 Combretum or bushwillow species. They are mainly trees, shrubs or climbers. While more than 80% of them occur naturally in Africa, there are some in the Amazon forest, tropical Asia and elsewhere; none in Australia.

Combretums include some species that are pollinated by bats and other mammals. Some African as well as Indian species are used in traditional medicine.

Silkaatsnek where this picture was taken is a well-known road crossing over the Magaliesberg. To the north of these mountains the bushveld has a variety of Combretum trees and shrubs (Wikipedia).