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 This
section of the Garden contains plants from the family Myrtaceae,
as well Combretaceae.
The combretums or bush-willows comprise an important component
of the Sour Lowveld Bushveld and sometimes occur in large
stands. They are easily identified by their distinctive, very
decorative fruits, each of which sports 4 - 5 conspicuous
wings. The genera Quisqualis, Pteleopsis and
Terminalia are also members of the family Combretaceae. There
are four species of Combretum and two species of Terminalia
that occur naturally in the Lowveld Garden. (Terminalia
has 2 continuous wings that impart a shield shape to the fruit.)
Combretum zeyheri, large-fruited bush-willow, (left)
has enormous fruits, initially pale green, ripening to a warm
pale brown.
The flame creeper, Combretum microphyllum,(right)
has tiny flowers with minute petals, but showy stamens.
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Fragrant catkins, abuzz with bees, adorn
the velvet bush-willow, Combretum molle, in spring
time. Young foliage has a soft, velvety texture.
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Combretum hereroense bears large bunches of
dark brown fruits.
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The blooms of Combretum mossambicense
are the most delicate, pale shade of pink.
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Terminalia prunioides has wine-red, shield-shaped
fruits and snowy white flowers.
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