Moraceae
Ficus sansibarica
Knobbly fig
Canopy/Emergment Tree
7 small available right now.
About
This large tree typically grows up to 20 metres tall with a broad, spreading crown, and can establish as a stand-alone tree or as a strangler fig. It features smooth, grey bark and distinctive unbranched fruiting spurs directly on the trunk and main branches. The large, dark purple figs, up to 5 cm in diameter, ripen with yellow-green dots and are an important food source for wildlife, though they taste bitter to humans.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for large gardens, parks, or restoration projects along the Kilifi coast, this tree thrives in full sun and deep sandy soil. Its aggressive root system means it requires ample space, making it an excellent choice for a specimen or shade tree.
Growing notes
This fast-growing tree, reaching 1-1.2m per year, is drought-tolerant once established but sensitive to frost. It thrives in well-draining, sandy loam, requiring watering when the soil is almost dry, but all parts contain milky latex and are toxic if ingested.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: sanbi.org, wikipedia.org, blogspot.com, suntrees.co.za, earthone.io, grokipedia.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.