Hernandiaceae

Hernandia nymphaefolia

Lantern Tree

Small/Medium Tree

Common species

Size

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About

An evergreen tree reaching up to 22 metres tall, this species is characterised by its spirally arranged, large, fleshy-leathery leaves that are broadly egg-shaped and notably attached at the centre of their undersides to the stalk. It produces fragrant greenish or white flowers in branched clusters, followed by distinctive black nuts enclosed within an inflated, pale green to greyish-white cupule resembling a lantern.

Where it works in Kilifi

Ideal for coastal gardens, streetscapes, and parks in Kilifi, this tree thrives in full sun and can tolerate sandy, rocky, and salt-laden environments. It serves well as a specimen tree, for providing shade, or in restoration efforts for stabilising shorelines.

Growing notes

This tree exhibits a moderate to fast growth rate and prefers consistently moist, well-drained, and moisture-retentive soils. While established plants can tolerate short dry spells, regular watering is recommended. Propagation is typically by seed, though germination can be slow, sometimes taking up to a year.

Sources

Researched with web grounding from: nparks.gov.sg, wikipedia.org, ntbg.org, wordpress.com, flowersofindia.net, kew.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.