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.
| 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 | |
| Synonyms[2][3] | |
| |
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 edit
- ^ Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) & IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group (2019). "Combretum padoides". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T146216567A146216569. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T146216567A146216569.en. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
- ^ "Combretum padoides Engl. & Diels". Plants of the World Online. The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. n.d. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
- ^ "Combretum padoides Engl. & Diels". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000. n.d. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
- 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.