How to Grow and Care for Bushwillows

Malabar Madhu Malati (Combretum malabaricum) is a climbing shrub that will grow from 91 to 305 cm tall. It is native to India. It blooms reddish star-shaped flowers from winter to spring followed by fruits. It is commonly found growing in evergreen forests. It thrives in full sun.

The lush, climbing foliage of the rangoon creeper (Combretum indicum) makes it a prime candidate for running up pergolas, fencelines, or trellises. When in bloom, the flowers emit a delightful fragrance to add to the natural aesthetic beauty, but only when the sun goes down. It is a favorite stop for pollinators and nectar-seeking insects with long tongues.

Bush-willow is a multi-stemmed tree with a spreading habit that is native to southern Africa. The wood of bush-willow is used to make ornaments and cattle troughs. A brown dye is produced from the roots of this willow-like tree whilst an elastic gum can be sought from the stem.

Variable combretum is most notable for its strangely shaped fruit. These dark brown fruits are four-winged and variable in shape, explaining the common name of the tree. Sadly though, they are not edible fruits.

Large-fruited bush willow is a robust, deciduous shrub or small tree, distinguished by large, oval leaves that cluster toward the ends of its branches. It produces dense spikes of creamy-white flowers which turn russet before falling. This hardy species thrives in dry woodlands, showcasing an intricate winged fruit that aids in wind dispersal, and contributes to its resilience and spread in varying environments.