Combretum kraussii aka Forest Bushwillow

Combretum kraussii has the common name forest bush willow. It is part of the Combretaceae family. Its native range covers southern Mozambique and Eswatini. It also covers eastern South Africa. Kew lists it as a plant of subtropical regions. It grows on rocky slopes and at forest edges. It grows in rainforest and grassland too. These sites range from sea level to about 3,940 feet [1,200 metres].

This woody plant can form a shrub or small tree. It has a broad crown with dense growth. The Useful Tropical Plants profile gives a height of 26 feet [8 metres]. Its fuller account gives an upper height of 39 feet [12 metres]. Reports differ on how long it keeps its leaves. Some say it stays mostly evergreen. Others call it deciduous or semi-deciduous, meaning it sheds all or some leaves. It grows fast from seed. Young plants can reach about 5.6 feet [1.7 metres] within two years. Bees and other insects pollinate the flowers.

In gardens, it grows in sun and takes some shade. Once trees take root, they can cope with some drought. People grow it as an ornamental tree. Its broad, dense crown gives it a clear landscape role. The sources give no frost limit or hardiness zone. They give no bloom season or full account of the flowers. These accounts name no specific pests or diseases.

People harvest wild trees for wood and use in medicine. Young stems bend well, so people weave them into baskets. The yellow wood has a fine texture. Most of its grain is straight. It is hard and tough but has only moderate durability. Workers can shape it with moderate ease. They can give it a good polish too. They use it for floors, furniture and cabinets. Other uses include handles, ladders, boats and vehicles. It also supplies wood for farm tools and fuel.

In traditional medicine, people use roots for wounds and pain relief. Other recorded uses aim to boost appetite and restore strength. These reports of traditional use do not prove that treatments work. The source lists no known food uses. Reports show that wood dust can harm skin. Forestry workers who handled the dust had hand dermatitis, a skin rash. One report records blisters in a child who walked barefoot through it. These records deal with sawdust touching skin. They do not show that other plant parts are safe.