Red bushwillow, Rooibos
Combretum apiculatum

Family: Combretaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It loses its leaves during the year. It has several stems. The trunk is short and crooked. The bark is rough and dark grey. It cracks into a grid like pattern. The leaves are opposite. They are simple and broadly oval. The flowers are in spikes in the axils of leaves. They are small and creamy-yellow. The fruit has 4 wings. It is 20-30 mm long by 15-25 mm wide. It is yellowish green.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows at low altitude in rocky places in the bushveld. It can grow in dry and salty soils. It grows between 30-1,830 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, East Africa, Eswatini, Europe, Kenya, Malawi, Mediterranean, Mozambique, Namibia, Portugal, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

A dark red gum is edible. The leaves are used for tea.

Edible parts

Gum, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. The seeds should be removed from their covering and soaked in water for 5-10 hours. Seeds should be planted shallowly. Seeds germinate in 8-16 days. Seedlings should be transplanted when the first true leaf appears.

Plants grows slowly. They may reach 3 m in 4 years.

Its other names

Local names

Chikukute, Chivonzane, Ginana, Hairy kudu bush, Kalanga, Mohudiri, Mokrolari, Mpotsa, Mudziyaishe, Mugodo, Mugoro, Omumbuti, Omunaluko, Omurama, Tsingidzi, Umbhondo

Synonyms

Combretum apiculatum subsp. boreale Exell; Combretum buchananii Engl. & Diels; Combretum ukamense Engl. & Diels;