fluweelboswilg, basterrooibos
umBondwe-omhlope
Deciduous tree or shrub with velvety leaves and stems. Leaves simple, ovate, densely pubescent giving a soft texture. Flowers yellowish, in dense spikes. Fruits four-winged samaras. Important for wildlife browsing and pollinators.
Supports diverse insect fauna, including bees and butterflies; leaves browsed by antelope and elephants. Fruits eaten by birds and mammals. Provides shelter for reptiles and small mammals. Important in soil stabilization and nutrient cycling.
Flowers attract bees and butterflies; fruits dispersed by wind and animals.
Important for frugivorous birds and insectivores; Sunbirds and bees visit flowers; fruits eaten by hornbills; Provides nesting and perching sites.
Collect dry, winged fruits in late summer; store in paper bags.
Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting in sandy soil.
Sow fresh or after drying; germination moderate.
Take semi-hardwood cuttings and treat with rooting hormone. Keep moist. Semi-hardwood cuttings root moderately well with mist
The bark of Combretum molle is used for dyeing fabrics, and its leaves are browsed by game animals such as giraffe and antelope. Medicinally, its roots, bark, and leaves are used to treat malaria, fever, intestinal disorders, dysentery, jaundice, and yellow fever, skin diseases and respiratory ailment. The wood is used for fencing and tool-making, and the tree plays a role in pollinator support and seed dispersal in savanna ecosystems.
