Sapindaceae
Haplocoelum inoploeum
mchumbi, mfunga tanzu
Small/Medium Tree
34 medium available right now.
About
Haplocoelum inoploeum is a semi-deciduous to nearly evergreen small tree, typically growing 2.4–15 metres tall, often with contorted trunks and grey, flaking bark that yields very hard wood. It features tufted, yellow-green pinnate leaves and bears small, sweet-scented white, cream, yellow, or greenish flowers, often appearing before the leaves. The fruit is an edible red, orange, or yellow ellipsoidal drupe, initially triangular but becoming rounded at maturity.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for coastal Kilifi gardens and restoration projects, this species thrives in full sun to partial shade within well-drained soils. Its robust habit makes it suitable as a specimen tree or for integrating into indigenous woodland settings, providing hard timber and edible fruit.
Growing notes
This species is well-adapted to seasonally dry tropical environments and is drought-tolerant once established. It is suitable for warm coastal climates, preferring minimal supplemental watering after establishment.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: prota4u.org, grokipedia.com, jstor.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.