Capparaceae

Boscia angustifolia

Rough-leaved Shepherd Tree

Small/Medium Tree

Common species

Size

Quantity

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About

This evergreen small to medium tree reaches 6-14 metres tall, featuring smooth, light grey bark and a rounded crown. Its narrow, lanceolate leaves are small, thick, and leathery, remaining on the tree through the dry season. Small, fragrant greenish-white flowers appear in dense terminal clusters, followed by spherical, rough-skinned, yellowish berries that ripen about a year later.

Where it works in Kilifi

Ideal for sunny positions in Kilifi, this species thrives in free-draining red or lateritic soils, including rocky areas. It serves well as a resilient specimen tree, for providing shade, or in restoration efforts for degraded sites.

Growing notes

This hardy tree establishes well in adverse conditions and retains most of its foliage year-round, flourishing during the dry season. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant. Direct seeding is recommended for propagation, though it can be difficult to raise initially.

Sources

Researched with web grounding from: feedipedia.org, worldagroforestry.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.