What is combretum fruticosum?

Combretum fruticosum, also known as the bushwillow or large-fruited bushwillow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It is native to tropical and southern Africa and prefers to grow in open woodland and savannahs. The leaves are simple, alternate, elliptical to ovate, and up to 12 cm long. The flowers are small, white to creamy-yellow, and borne in dense spikes at the ends of branches. The fruit is a large, oblong capsule up to 5 cm long, containing several seeds. The bark is greyish-brown and rough. It is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as fever, diarrhea, and respiratory problems. The wood is hard and durable, used for furniture, tool handles, and fuel. The tree is also important as a food source for both humans and wildlife, serving as a host plant for butterflies and moths, and as a source of nectar for bees.