Salicaceae
Ludia mauritiana
Mfuwate
Small/Medium Tree
Not currently in stock. We can propagate or source this species — add to your order and we'll confirm timeline and availability.
About
Ludia mauritiana is an evergreen shrub or small tree, typically growing 6–12 meters tall, with grey bark and twigs marked by pale lenticels. Its leathery, glossy leaves are oblong to obovate, 3–9 cm long, and feature raised venation. Small, yellowish-white flowers appear singly in leaf axils, followed by finely warty, reddish, ovoid-globose fruits that are 1–1.5 cm across. Native to coastal East Africa and the Western Indian Ocean islands, its hard, durable wood is locally used for construction and tools, and traditionally for wheels in Mauritius.
Where it works in Kilifi
This indigenous species is well-suited for Kilifi-coast gardens and landscapes, thriving in dry evergreen forests and coastal bushland at elevations up to 300 meters. It prefers well-drained soils, including sandy-loam, loamy, laterite, and limestone types, and can be planted in areas with partial shade or at forest edges. It functions well as a specimen tree, for shade, or in restoration projects within coastal and riparian ecosystems.
Growing notes
Ludia mauritiana is a resilient evergreen species, exhibiting adaptability across its native range. Flowering can occur year-round in tropical climates, with a peak between December and May in Kenya and Tanzania, followed by fruit ripening within one to two months. Once established, it is likely drought-tolerant given its natural habitat in dry evergreen forests.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: grokipedia.com, wikipedia.org, heritagebelombre.com, prota4u.org, jstor.org, nih.gov. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.