Bi-coloured bushwillow
Combretum collinum subsp. gazense

Family: Combretaceae

What it is like

A shrub with several stems. It can grow to 14 m high. The stems are angled and have an olive brown covering. The leaves vary in shape. They can be narrowly or broadly oval and 12 cm long by 6 cm wide. The flowering stalks can be branched or simple. The flower receptacle can be 5 mm long. The fruit have red scales.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows from sea level to 600 m altitude. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall above 250 mm. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo, East Africa, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Gum

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Combretum coriaceum Schinz.; Combretum gazense Swynn. & Baker f.; Combretum mechowianum O. Hoffm.;