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| Autumn colours |
There are several representatives of the bushwillow family in the lowveld. Around Leopard’s View the red bushwillow (Combretum apiculatum) is particularly prominent.
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| Twisted leaves |
The red bushwillow is deciduous, shedding its leaves each year. Having sprouted bright green foliage back in September the leaves are now beginning to turn yellowy-brown as we enter autumn and will be unlikely to remain on the tree long past May. The tip of each leaf is noticeably twisted and pointed upwards, allowing the tree to be easily recognised.
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| The four-winged pods |
Like other members of the Combretum family, the red bushwillow produces four-winged pods. The wings of the pods can reportedly be used to make a tea when infused along with the leaves, something we shall have to try now they are so abundant!
The bushwillow family is also known for having very strong wood, and here the red bushwillow certainly does not disappoint. Its termite resistant wood is exceedingly hard, being even denser than the celebrated leadwood tree (Combretum imberbe).
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