![]() |
|
|
|
The Red Bushwillow is a medium sized semi-deciduous tree occurring in the bushveld areas, growing up to 10 metres tall. Young leaves are sticky. Flowers form just after the leaves appear and fruiting is from September to February. The greenish yellow flowers are heavily scented. Fruits from January to May. The fruit is four winged, reddish/brown. Where Red Bushwillow trees grow it is an indicator of mixed veld that is good for summer and winter grazing. The bark becomes grey and smoother as the tree gets older. The wood is prized as a firewood for a Braai (barbecue) as it is very hard and burns slowly. A decoction of the leaves is used as an enema to relieve colon and stomach disorders. Kudu, Nyala, Elephant, Klipspringer, Giraffe, Bushbuck, and Eland, browse the leaves. Vervet monkeys and baboons eat the fruit.
|
|