Combretum padoides, the thicket bushwillow, occurs in the lowlands of tropical and south-eastern Africa.

They grow in a range of habitats from muddy riverbanks to dry rocky hillsides.

The trees or shrubs flower in profusion in mid-summer and the 4-winged fruits reach maturity from late summer to mid winter.

Mature plants, though large, don't assume a true tree shape as their drooping branches are adapted to merge or intertwine with surrounding grass and shrubs for support.

Combretums with a comparable growth habit are C. celastroides (Jesse), C. edwardsii, C. mossambicense, and C. paniculatum.