The Large-fruited Bushwillow (Combretum Zeyheri) is a large tree growing to 10m in height.
This tree is said to indicate “sour bushveld” carrying poor grasses which are not usually palatable to stock and game.
The Afrikaans name Raasblaar is based on the sound made by the leaves and fruits in the wind and translated means “noisy leaf”.
Many animals feed off the leaves and fruit including giraffe, elephant and various buck species.
The roots are fibrous and woven into baskets and fishing traps. The crushed leaves combined with oil are used as an embrocation to ease backache and when mixed with water provide eye lotion.
The roots, together with other ingredients are regarded as a remedy for nose-bleedig and when pounded and mixed with fat, form an ointment to relieve haemorrhoids. The wood is yellow, termite and borer proof and it is a useful general purpose timber. It is easy to work but nor durable unless thoroughly seasoned.
