Combretum padoides
| Thicket bushwillow | |
|---|---|
| |
| C. padoides, foliage detail | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Combretaceae |
| Genus: | Combretum |
| Species: | C. padoides
|
| Binomial name | |
| Combretum padoides | |
Combretum padoides, the thicket bushwillow, occurs in the lowlands of tropical and south-eastern Africa. They grow in a range of habitats from muddy riverbanks to dry rocky hillsides. The mostly opposite oval leaves are carried on long slender branches. The trees or shrubs flower in profusion in mid-summer and the 4-winged fruits reach maturity from late summer to mid winter.
Mature plants, though large, don't assume a true tree shape as their drooping branches are adapted to merge or intertwine with surrounding grass and shrubs for support. Combretums with a comparable growth habit are C. celastroides (Jesse), C. edwardsii, C. mossambicense, and C. paniculatum.
References
- E. Pooley, 1997. Trees of Natal ISBN 0-620-17697-0
- K.C. Palgrave, 1984. Trees of Southern Africa ISBN 0-86977-081-0
- "Combretum padoides". Flora of Zimbabwe: Species information. Retrieved 2010-02-09.