Combretaceae
Combretum padoides
Thicket Bushwillow
L
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Combretum padoides is a deciduous shrub or small tree, typically growing 1-12 metres tall with long, trailing branches that often scramble into nearby trees. It features mostly opposite, oval leaves and rough, dark brownish-grey bark. Creamy-yellow flowers appear in profusion during mid-summer, forming loose spikes up to 10 cm long. These are followed by distinctive 4-winged fruits, ovoid in shape, pale yellow-green, and drying to a light brown when mature from late summer to mid-winter.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives in a variety of coastal habitats, including riverine and swamp forests, as well as dry woodlands and rocky hillsides, making it adaptable to diverse conditions in Kilifi. It can be planted for restoration in moist areas or utilised as a scrambling shrub or liana to provide screening or cover for structures, especially in full sun to semi-shade.
Growing notes
Combretum padoides is adaptable to varying moisture levels, found naturally from muddy riverbanks to rocky hillsides, suggesting it can tolerate periods of drought once established, though it appreciates moisture. It is harvested from the wild for food, medicine, and wood, with no known hazards specified for this species.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: theferns.info, seedsandall.co.za, wikipedia.org, mozambiqueflora.com, researchgate.net, nih.gov. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.