Phyllanthaceae
Antidesma venosum
Tasselberry · Mbua nono
Shrub
1 medium available right now.
About
This evergreen to semi-deciduous shrub or small tree can reach up to 15 metres, featuring a dense, rounded crown. Its large, elliptic leaves are glossy dark green above with prominent veins and often rusty hairs on the paler underside. It produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers followed by abundant, edible berry-like fruits that mature from green to bright red and purplish-black, hanging in decorative tassels and attracting various wildlife.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for Kilifi-coast gardens, this species thrives in full sun to semi-shade and well-drained sandy or loamy soils, often found on coral outcrops. It serves well as a specimen tree, a screen plant in a shrubbery, or for attracting birds, given its non-aggressive root system.
Growing notes
A relatively fast-growing plant, achieving 80-90 cm per year, it is easily propagated from seed and tolerates moderate drought once established. For fruit production, it is important to plant 3-5 specimens as both male and female plants are required.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: sanbi.org, cjmgrowers.co.za, wikipedia.org, theplantlibrary.co.za, zimbabweflora.co.zw, suntrees.co.za. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.