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South Africa’s indigenous trees: The Leadwood

Trees, a symbol of life intricately entwined with our history and cultures. Once a month we will bring tribute to an indigenous tree species - this month we celebrate the mighty Leadwood, Combretum imberbe – the tallest and most impressive of our combretums (bush willows).


An impressive stand of Leadwood trees (Nkasa Rupara National Park, Namibia)


A medium to large, semi-deciduous tree, growing up to 20 meters tall, the Leadwood tree makes for an inspiring picture. The pale-grey bark cracks in a rectangular pattern distinctive of the species. The very dense nature of the wood makes it resistant to termites and woodborers, and the bleached skeletons of dead trees remain standing for many years - providing ideal perching sites for large birds such as vultures and eagles. Leadwood leaves are eaten by a number of game species, including kudu, giraffes, and elephants, while the four-winged seedpods are a favourite amongst rodents.


An extraordinarily useful tree, the Leadwood tree is of high economic value. Due to its very high density – it is one of the few wood species that will sink in water – Leadwood timber is very hard and tough. Before the advent of iron hoes, Africans used Leadwood timber for hoe making. Leadwood timber was also used extensively as sleepers for railway tracks and as baulks and pit-props in mines. The timber’s resistance to insect attacks makes the stems a popular choice for fencing posts in rural areas.


The leaves, flowers, bark, and roots of Leadwood trees are used in traditional medicine for a range of remedies, and the edible gum from damaged trees is used as a nutritional supplement by some cultures. The ash is sometimes used as a toothpaste and its whitening properties similarly makes it suitable for whitewashing buildings, while root bark boiled in water is used in tanning leather. Leadwood is an outstanding fuel wood that burns slowly and with intense heat while producing little smoke.


Leadwood tree skeletons remain standing for many years and are a favourite perching site for birds of prey.


The durable heartwood, with dark brown colouring that contrasts beautifully with its yellow sapwood, is favoured for sculpture- and lathe-work, and is much sought after in the indigenous woodcarving industry. The use of Leadwood timber in furniture making is becoming increasingly popular, despite its reputation of being difficult to work with due to its hardness and silica-content. A well-crafted décor or furniture piece made from Leadwood timber can become a precious heirloom that will endure over many generations.


Examples of Leadwood products by Avodah. Clockwise from top left: Leadwood and brass-infused resin serving plate; Leadwood and blue resin serving plate; Leadwood pen-holder.


Unfortunately, the very properties that make Leadwood timber so sought after, are threatening the tree’s existence. Over-utilisation is one of the biggest threats to the Leadwood tree, and is exacerbated by the tree’s extremely slow growth rate. In South Africa, the Leadwood tree is a protected species in terms of the National Forest Act of 1998 and “may not be cut, disturbed, damaged or destroyed and their products may not be possessed, collected, removed, transported, exported, donated, purchased or sold - except under licence granted by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (or a delegated authority)”.


Considering buying a décor or furniture piece made from Leadwood? Help ensure the future of one of South Africa’s most iconic trees by requesting to view the license obtained for harvesting the timber in question. Avodah is passionate about conservation through sustainable utilisation and our Leadwood timber comes from a licensed supplier.

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