Forest Bushwillow

Combretum kraussii

Shade loving Forest Bushwillows are described as medium to large trees, but they can get enormous at Ferncliffe. There is one ancient that has survived incarceration in the twilight world of the bamboo forest for unknown decades, and dwarfs most other trees in the pilot sites.

They’re charmers too. In spring, they sprout new leaves that can appear almost silvery white at a distance, like a halo. These are then swapped for bright green foliage. Summer is the time of seed dispersal, when drifts of four-winged ochre fruits can be found all around the big trees. And in winter, they convert ordinary leaves into flaming red odes to warmer days, as if they’ve stashed summer somewhere deep within.

FAQs

It’s one of the easiest climate crisis mitigation methods we know. Trees absorb and sequester carbon – and indigenous forest is far better at carbon capture than degraded lands or plantations. Trees also provide habitat to incredible living creatures, help purify the air, protect soil from erosion, and protect our water catchments. Never mind offering local residents a rejuvenating space to relax and exercise in.

Yes. They are all species that occur within the reserve itself, or the immediate area surrounding it, including the corridors through the plantations. Trees are grown from seed and cuttings sourced from the area (within 50km), or purchased from local nurseries or organisations as our nursery grows. * Exceptions are species that might have historically disappeared from the forest

In the Ferncliffe Nature Reserve, in a corridor of indigenous trees, or in an area designated for rehabilitation in conjunction with a landowner. We have full permission to plant from the municipal authorities or relevant landowners.

Once a year for two years. After this period, our website’s news page will have updates, and you can follow us on social media for all the latest progress and sightings.

Physical certificates feature hand-drawn and painted artwork by Connor Cullinan, and are printed on quality A4 paper. Digital certificates look the same as the paper versions, but are issued via email. If you’d like to print them yourself, we recommend choosing a matt paper of 250 gsm. Both are designed to be beautiful gifts.

Connor Cullinan is a fine artist with many solo and group shows to his name. He is producing a series of original prints to help Ferncliffe raise funds for its restoration work. The images are based on fauna and flora that can be found in the forest and on its fringes. The images are open editions*, and are signed and dated. The first three prints in the ongoing series are of a Porcupine, Vervet monkeys and a Forest Weaver, and they were produced at Black River Studio in Cape Town, South Africa.

*An open edition print means an unlimited number of prints of the same artwork is sold.

If your order is urgent, please contact us first to see if we’ll be able to deliver on time. We’re a very small team and this system is not automated.

Digital certificates will be sent electronically via email, within three business days, Monday to Friday (excluding RSA public holidays).

Postage of print orders is by courier. We post once a week, however, so please expect the order to take longer than a standard delivery — or contact us to make a plan.

Prints and certificates will be packaged flat, sandwiched between stiff cardboard.

As soon as conditions are right. Generally this means spring and summer, as this is the rainy season and the young trees will need water at first. So your tree may have to wait its turn for a few months before ‘release’ into the wild, or have been planted a little in advance of your order!

Yes, in South Africa. We are registered as a Public Benefit Organisation, number 93 007 2645, and can issue Section 18A tax certificates on request. You will need to supply us with the information required by SARS.

The debit card and EFT options on the site don’t support international cards – sorry! A credit card should work. Alternatively, you can mail us the details of your order and make a direct payment into our bank account (see the contact page for details).

Price

R750

Plant a tree certificate