Flute willow, Safsaf willow
Salix mucronata

Family: Salicaceae

What it is like

A bushy tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 2-10 m high. It has many branches that can be spreading or hang down. The woody stems are dark brown and have furrows along them. The leaves are alternate and 11-15 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They are narrowly oval. The flowers are in spikes. The sexes are separate on different trees. The fruit is a capsule. It splits along its length releasing seeds in tufts that blow in the wind.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows along rivers and streams. It grows between 600-2,000 m altitude. In Zimbabwe it grows between 1,060-1,490 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Arabia, Botswana, East Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Malawi, Middle East, Mozambique, Namibia, North Africa, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Edible parts

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Fisaka, Mulunga-wiwa

Synonyms

Salix crateradenia Seeman; Salix huillensis Seemen; Salix hutchinsii Skan; Salix nigritina Seemen; Salix octandra Sieb. ex A. Rich.; Salix ramiflora Seemen; Salix subserrata Willd.; Salix safsaf Trauty; Salix wilmsii Seemen; Salix woodii Seemen;