The bushwillows or combretums, is a genus of the Combretaceae family. The genus comprises about 370 species of trees and shrubs. Though somewhat reminiscent of willows (Salix) in their habitats, they are not particularly close relatives of these. Bushwillow trees often are important plants in their habitat. Savannahs in Africa, in particular those growing on granitic soils, are often dominated by Combretum and its close relative Terminalia. Other species of this genus are a major component of Southwestern Amazonian moist forests. This genus contains several species that are pollinated by mammals other than bats, which is quite rare indeed. But most species are more conventionally pollinated by insects or birds. Several species are used in African or Indian traditional medicine. Combretastatins, found in the South African Bushwillow, Combretum caffrum, and presumably other species of this genus, are under study for the therapy of tumours, including anaplastic thyroid cancer for which there is little or no approved treatment at present. At least Combretum molle is also recorded to contain large quantities of punicalagins, the antioxidants well-known from the Pomegranate (Punica granatum), a somewhat related plant. These chemicals, too, are suspected to suppress cancer growth.

Combretum erythrophyllum or River bushwillow as it is commonly known is a medium to large deciduous tree that will grow about 6 meters tall in the garden. In the wild they can grow into massive trees with a spreading crown. During autumn this tree is a sight to behold as the leaves turn a reddish brown. From September to November (Southern Hemisphere) the tree bears cream to light-yellow flowers. The small greenish brown fruit, which stay on the tree for many months, are winged and mature to a honey-brown colour. The seeds are said to be poisonous, causing hiccups.