Combretum rotundifolium (Monkey's Brush Plant)

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Combretum spp.

Bushwillows

Combretaceae

Tropical Africa, Asia, and the Americas

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 10–11

Overview

Combretum spp. is a genus of about 250 species of shrubs, trees, and woody climbers in the family Combretaceae, native to the tropics and subtropics of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with the greatest diversity in Africa. Plants range from low shrubs to large lianas and trees 6-50 ft (1.8-15 m) or more, with simple, opposite leaves and small flowers packed into dense spikes or heads. The flowers lack showy petals but carry many protruding stamens in cream, yellow, red, or orange that give the spikes a brush-like look. The fruit is a four- or five-winged pod that turns papery and red-brown, aiding wind dispersal. C. indicum, the Rangoon creeper, is a widely grown climber with fragrant flowers that open white and age to pink and red. Several African bushwillows are used for timber, fodder, and habitat. Plants tolerate heat and seasonal drought, and many are frost-tender. The winged fruits persist on the plant and stay decorative for weeks.

Native Range

Combretum spp. is native to tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with most species in Africa. Plants grow in savanna, woodland, riverbanks, and forest margins. The Rangoon creeper C. indicum is cultivated across the tropics far beyond its Asian origin.

Suggested Uses

Grown as flowering climbers on pergolas, fences, and arbors, and as shrubs, screens, and shade trees in warm gardens. The Rangoon creeper is used for fragrant, color-changing flowers in tropical plantings. African bushwillow trees are planted for shade, wildlife, and timber.

How to Identify

Look for shrubs, trees, or scrambling climbers with simple, opposite leaves and dense spikes of small flowers with many protruding stamens. The flowers lack large petals, so the brush-like stamens carry the color. The four- or five-winged, papery fruits are the clearest mark of the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 50'

Width/Spread6' - 30'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering is concentrated in the warm, wet season, often spring to summer, with the brush-like spikes lasting one to several weeks. The Rangoon creeper opens white flowers that age through pink to red over a few days. The winged fruits follow and persist for weeks.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

cream, yellow, red, or orange

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand rocky clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil with a pH near 6.0 to 7.5, tolerating poor, sandy, and rocky ground. Climbing species are given strong supports, as they grow vigorously and become heavy. Young plants are watered until established, after which many tolerate seasonal drought. Frost-tender species are sheltered or grown under cover where winters are cold. Rich soil and steady warmth produce the heaviest flowering.

Pruning

Climbing species are cut back hard after flowering to control size and keep them within supports. Shrubs and trees are thinned to remove crowded and dead wood. The Rangoon creeper suckers and is dug out where its spread is not wanted.