The lodge gets its name from the Velvet Bushwillow (Combretum Molle), which occurs in and around the lodge. It is a deciduous tree (leaves turning reddish-brown) not very large or conspicuous, but can get up to 9 metres if the conditions are ideal. It is found in sand forest regions enjoying and surviving well in the sandy soils. It is a fairly fast growing tree but it is sensitive to very cold and frosty conditions. The Combretum family typically has simple leaves, small flowers and characteristic four winged pods, with a seed in the middle. It flowers in early spring (September - October). The flowers are small, yellowish and closely packed in long oblong, cylindrical spikes and have a lovely fragrance. The four winged pods are seen from December as green and through to August when they are ripe, turning reddish-brown in colour.

Traditional uses are varied. The wood is hard and durable but because of its small quantities it is not really used for much, other than axe handles and walking sticks. The seeds are poisonous and the boiled leaves produce a red dye, which is used in basket making. Other parts of the plant are used medicinally; extracts of the leaves and roots are used for the treatment of wounds, snakebite, constipation, stomach ailments and high fever.

Why call the lodge, "Bushwillow"?

Apart from the fact that the tree occurs in good numbers around Bushwillow, we can also imagine that the wings on the pod indicate the points of a compass, and the seed in the pod is Bushwillow.