Russet Bushwillow

Kierieklapper · Combretum hereroense

Named for the rusty colour of its leaf undersides and its winged pods. Common in the bushveld, often growing in groups.

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How to identify it

Small spreading tree with small mouse-ear shaped leaves that turn coppery-russet, hairy underneath. Masses of four-winged papery pods that dry to a russet-brown. Often on termite mounds and clay.

Flowers & fruit

Spring (September to November)

Browsed by

Elephant, giraffe, kudu and impala browse the leaves; the flowers attract insects.

Where to see it in Kruger

Common in mixed and mopane woodland, on termite mounds, clay soils and the fringes of pans and streams across the park.

Did you know

The four-winged seeds are shaped to spin like tiny helicopters, letting the wind carry them away from the parent tree.

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