Under typical garden conditions this is a medium sized tree, about 6 meters tall, although they can grow to trees with a massive, spreading crown with the branches sometimes leaning at weird angles - especially those found on river banks. Young bark is smooth and grey but older bark flakes off, displaying a light-brown colour.
The leaves are mostly opposite, sometimes 3 whorled, elliptic form, about 80mm long and 30mm wide (the margins are smooth). The autumn display of the leaves differs from yellow in early autumn to red in middle winter. In cold areas the tree is deciduous. The fruit is 4-winged, about 13mm in diameter and 12mm long. The fruit stays on the tree of many months.

In nature it occurs mostly along rivers and streams, or where a high water table is present. It grows in a variety of soil types.

This tree should NOT be confused with a close relative, Combretum caffrum, probably one of the most talked about trees due to the discovery of the combretastatin which showed promise as a possible cure for cancer.

The seed of this tree is poisonous, causing continuous hiccups, thus the other common name: "Hiccup nut". Note: "Hiccup Nut" is also the common name for Combretum bracteosum! The root and gum is used for medicinal purposes and the relatively soft wood (670kg/cubic meter) is used for carved household utensils.

Easily grown from seed, but quite difficult to find seed without parasites. The seed must be removed from the winged capsule and this is also quite a delicate task. Normally a number of the seeds get damaged in the process. The seeds should be soaked in water overnight and the swollen seeds should be sown in a river sand and compost mixture. Germination is normally quite high, even with the un-swollen seeds, although the latter takes longer to germinate than the normal 14 days. Transplant the seedling into growing containers once they reach the 2-leaf stage.

Growth is rapid, at least 50 cm per year (much higher under ideal conditions). Like most southern African trees it prefers a well drained soil, although the one in my garden, with its poorly drained soil, is doing very well. Regular watering during the first 2 years promote rapid growth.

It can withstand a moderate drought and fairly heavy frost after 3-4 years.

Garden subject
Medicinal

Hiccup nut (English)
Modibo (Northern Sotho)
Vaderlandswilg (Afrikaans)