River Bushwillow Plant Care
Combretum erythrophyllum Sond.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Combretum erythrophyllum, commonly known as the river bushwillow, is a medium-sized, spreading tree found in bush near or along river banks in southern Africa. It is planted as a shade and ornamental tree in South Africa and the United States, and is propagated by seed.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for River Bushwillow?
River Bushwillow grows best in full sun to partial shade.
Where Is the River Bushwillow Native To?
What Is the River Bushwillow?
River Bushwillow (Combretum erythrophyllum) belongs to the Combretaceae family within the Combretum genus. River Bushwillow is native to bush near or along river banks in southern Africa. River Bushwillow is also known as Karee, False Marula, Scarlet Combretum.
River Bushwillow displays a vining, climbing shrub growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . River Bushwillow produces small, tubular flowers in clusters.
What Light Does the River Bushwillow Need?
River Bushwillow thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a River Bushwillow?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for River Bushwillow to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a River 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 River Bushwillow?
River 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 River Bushwillow Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list River 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 River Bushwillow?
River 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
River 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.
River 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 erythrophyllum Sond., family Combretaceae (first published in Linnaea 23: 43 (1850)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list River 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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