Boraginaceae

Cordia sinensis

Grey-leaved Saucer Berry · Mkamasi, Mnya mate

Small/Medium Tree

Common species

Size

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About

Cordia sinensis is a deciduous small to medium multi-stemmed tree, typically reaching 3-12 metres in height, often with drooping branches. Its bark is brown to pale creamy-brown and can be finely fissured or smooth, while its grey-green leaves feel rough to the touch. The tree produces fragrant, small white or cream flowers in terminal clusters, followed by conical, orange or bright red fruits with a sweet, sticky, edible pulp and 1-4 seeds.

Where it works in Kilifi

This adaptable indigenous tree thrives in Kilifi's dry coastal conditions, preferring alluvial, sandy, red loam, and rocky soils, particularly in moist riverbeds or open bushland. It is excellent for providing shade, as a specimen tree, or for restoration in low-altitude arid and semi-arid landscapes.

Growing notes

Cordia sinensis is considered fairly fast-growing and is well-suited to dry conditions once established. It responds well to management practices such as lopping, pollarding, and coppicing. Propagation is typically from seed or wildings, with fresh seeds showing good germination rates.

Sources

Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, worldagroforestry.org, kew.org, infonet-biovision.org, icpald.org, mozambiqueflora.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.