8 responses

1. Hi Mike

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   Combretum erythrophyllum is found around Mpumalanga and grows naturally along rivers and streams but is sometimes found in wooded grassland where the water table is high. Their lifespan is totally dependent on their growing conditions but they can easily live for over 100 years.

   You should be able to plant this but remember to protect a young tree from browsing animals for the first 2-3 years.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

2. Hi Glenice. I live in the bushveld in Marloth Park in Mpumalanga.
   I am looking for a fairly quick growing shade tree and Combretum erythrophyllum seems to fit the bill.
   Please could you advise on a couple of things though?
   How old do these trees grow and are they indigenous to this region?
   It would be planted in an area where there are quite a few large knobwoods and maroela trees, but also quite a lot of rock in the ground.
   I would also like something long lived as this is envisioned as an area of peace and reflection where my late wife’s ashes will be buried.
   Many thanks and thank you for a very informative site!
   Mike.

3. Hi Francois

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   Combretum erythrophyllum is a magnificent choice and is able to withstand a variety of conditions. The depth at which the ouklip occurs as well as it’s thickness will have an impact on the tree’s survival. Ouklip layers are known to occur shallow under the soil and it is usually possible to break through this layer to prevent water-logging around the root ball.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

4. Hi Glenice
   I want to plant a combretum erythrophyllum in my kid’s garden since I love them and have 3 myself. We picked up “ouklip” when digging the hole. Is the tree dependent on a tap root for longevity or will it survive on side roots? We tried to dig the hole as deep as possible but seems like the ouklip is quite a thick layer.

5. Hi Rian

   Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

   Combretum erythrophyllum is used in many parts of Gauteng as a street tree. It does tend to have an aggresive root system in some locations though, so you may wish to consider alternatives such as:

   – Heteropyxis natalensis (Lavender tree)
   – Bolusanthus speciosus (Tree wisteria)
   – Kiggelaria africana (Wild peach)

   Flourish!
   Glenice

6. Hi Glenice
   We’re looking to replace some Box Elders that were badly affected by PSHB. Th Combretum erythrophyllum seems to fit the bill, especially as a street tree, we just need to be sure it does not have an aggressive root system and can be plant between the street and the pavement, without risk of lifting either.
   Thank you very much.

7. Hi Robin

   Thanks for visiting our site.

   Tree prices will vary between suppliers. It would be best to view specimens at different suppliers to get a better understanding of the stock available and their pricing.

   Flourish!
   Glenice

8. Hi Glenice, it is so comforting to have come across an expert like yourself I live in Gauteng in a complex and have a 1 meter wide walled garden around my pool area. My neighbours have built a double storey house which now overlooks my pool area and I am hoping to plant a ‘wall’ of trees to reclaim some privacy. I like the sounds of the lavender tree and would really appreciate your advice. I have looked at the 100 liter tree at 3 meters tall and would be good to know what I should expect to pay for a Lavender Tree of this size. Many thanks,