Cape Bushwillow Plant Care
Combretum caffrum Kuntze
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Combretum afrum, commonly known as Cape bushwillow, is a species of tree native to South Africa. It is endemic to the Cape Provinces.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for Cape Bushwillow?
Cape Bushwillow grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Where Is the Cape Bushwillow Native To?
What Is the Cape Bushwillow?
Cape Bushwillow (Combretum caffrum) belongs to the Combretaceae family within the Combretum genus. Cape Bushwillow is native to South Africa. Cape Bushwillow is also known as Bastard Willow, River Bushwillow.
Cape Bushwillow displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Cape Bushwillow produces small, tubular flowers in clusters.
What Light Does the Cape Bushwillow Need?
Cape Bushwillow thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Cape Bushwillow?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Cape Bushwillow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Cape Bushwillow?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Cape Bushwillow?
Cape Bushwillow can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese honeysuckle plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Cape Bushwillow Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Cape Bushwillow, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Cape Bushwillow?
Cape Bushwillow is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
Keep exploring plants
Cape Bushwillow is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Combretum genus — compare its care with other Combretum species on PlantoScan.
Combretum is part of the Combretaceae plant family — browse all Combretaceae genera and species.
Cape Bushwillow thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Combretum Species
Other Combretum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Combretum caffrum Kuntze, family Combretaceae (first published in Revis. Gen. Pl. 3(2): 87 (1898)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Cape Bushwillow, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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