Combretum nanum - Dwarf Bushwillow

Dwarf Bushwillow is a prostrate under-shrub, growing up to 2 ft tall with a stout root stock. Branches are 12-45 cm long. Leaves, arranged oppositely or alternately, are 5-10 cm long, 3-6.5 cm broad, elliptic ovate or obovate, shining, leathery, hairless. Lateral nerves on the leaves are 3-4 pairs, with 2.5-5 mm long stalk. Tiny flowers are borne in simple or branched raceme, occuring singly at the end of branches, on 2.5-15 cm long stalk. Flowers are only 6-7 mm across, white, 4-merous. Bracteoles are linear-spoon-shaped, 4-6 mm long, falling soon. Hypanthium is 3-7 mm long, sparcely glandular, limb funnel shaped, 2.5 mm long, hairy inside, sepals 4, triangular, erect. Petals are 4, inserted on the margin of the hypanthium, obovate. Stamens are 8, much protruding. Ovary is funnel shaped. Fruit is more prominent and interesting - it is 3.5-4 cm long, 2.5 cm broad, elliptic, pinkish red, with 4 broad papery wings. Dwarf Bushwillow is is a rare plant, found in Bihar, Orissa, MP, UP, and the Himalayas at 200-1500 m altitude. Flowering: March-April.