Combretaceae
Combretum molle
Velvet bushwillow · Mlama, msana
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This small to medium-sized semi-deciduous tree grows up to 13-17 metres tall with a rounded crown. It features dark, rough, deeply fissured bark resembling crocodile skin, and soft, velvety leaves that can be pinkish-orange when young. Greenish-yellow, heavily scented flowers appear in spikes, followed by distinctive four-winged, golden-brown fruits.
Where it works in Kilifi
Thriving in full sun and well-drained loamy soil, the Velvet Bushwillow is ideal for a Kilifi-coast garden. It serves well as a specimen tree or for providing shade in open landscapes, tolerating various soil types and even rocky areas.
Growing notes
This tree is fast-growing initially and, once established, is drought and fire hardy. Water deeply when the soil is almost completely dry, as over-watering can inhibit flowering.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: sanbi.org, google.com, seedsandall.co.za, plantnet.org, combonimissionaries.ie, nih.gov. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.