Rhamnaceae

Maesopsis eminii

Umbrella Tree · Musizi, Mutere

Canopy/Emergment Tree

Rare species

Size

Quantity

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About

Maesopsis eminii is a large, fast-growing semi-deciduous tree, typically reaching 10-30 metres in height with a straight, clear trunk. Its bark is pale grey-brown, often developing deep, vertical furrows as it ages. The leaves are elliptic-lanceolate with distinctive toothed margins, each bearing a gland. It produces small, yellowish-green flowers, followed by obovoid drupes that ripen from green to yellow, then purple-black.

Where it works in Kilifi

Suitable as a canopy or emergent tree, providing significant shade in expansive Kilifi-coast gardens and landscapes. It thrives in full sun on deep, fertile soils, tolerating a range from neutral to very acidic, but not waterlogged conditions. This species is also valuable for forest restoration in disturbed areas, requiring ample space due to its large size.

Growing notes

This fast-growing tree requires consistent moisture when young, becoming more tolerant of dry periods (up to 2-4 months) once established. It can coppice freely when young. Caution is advised as it is considered an aggressive coloniser and invasive in some regions; careful site selection and management are essential to prevent unwanted spread.

Sources

Researched with web grounding from: worldagroforestry.org, wikipedia.org, scribd.com, theferns.info, fornis.net, rozendale.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.