Salicaceae
Flacourtia indica
Governor's plum · Mkingili
Small/Medium Tree
477 small available right now.
About
This deciduous shrub or small tree typically grows 3-10 metres tall, often featuring prominent spines, especially when young. It has variable, oval to round, glossy green leaves with toothed edges. Small, fragrant cream to greenish-yellow flowers give way to edible, round, fleshy fruits up to 2.5 cm across, which ripen from red to purplish or black. The bark is typically pale grey and may flake to reveal orange patches.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for Kilifi gardens, this species thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade. It is adaptable to a variety of well-draining soils, including sandy, clay, and rocky types, and can be planted as an ornamental specimen, a fruit tree, or a dense, spiny hedge.
Growing notes
Growth rate varies; some sources indicate it is slow-growing, while others describe it as rapid, potentially fruiting within three years. It is drought-tolerant once established but requires consistent watering during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between sessions. Pruning is beneficial for maintaining shape and size, and young plants can be thorny.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: cabidigitallibrary.org, worldagroforestry.org, wikipedia.org, ask-ayurveda.com, scribd.com, malawiflora.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.