Sapindaceae

Blighia unijugata

triangle-tops · Mwakamwatu

Canopy/Emergment Tree

Rare species

Size

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About

A medium to large evergreen tree, reaching up to 20-35 metres tall with a dense, rounded crown. It features glossy dark green leaves, often pinkish-red when young, and small, sweetly scented whitish-yellow flowers. The distinctive fruits are bright pink to red, three-lobed capsules that split to reveal shiny black seeds resting on a yellow aril.

Where it works in Kilifi

This tree is well-suited for coastal Kilifi gardens as a specimen or shade tree, thriving in full sun and well-drained soils. It can serve as a canopy or emergent tree in larger landscapes and is traditionally used for providing shade in villages and coffee plantations.

Growing notes

Blighia unijugata is generally considered a fast-growing tree and can be propagated easily from seeds, which germinate readily without pre-treatment. Once established, it prefers moist but not waterlogged conditions. Caution is advised as the fruits and leaves have been reported to be poisonous.

Sources

Researched with web grounding from: sanbi.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw, worldagroforestry.org, combonimissionaries.ie, theferns.info, scribd.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.