Sapotaceae
Manilkara mochisia
Lowveld milkberry · Msapa
Canopy/Emergment Tree
7 small available right now.
About
Manilkara mochisia is an evergreen shrub or small to medium-sized tree, typically growing 3-20 metres tall with a dense, spreading crown. It features dark green, leathery leaves clustered in rosettes at branch ends, and produces small, yellowish flowers followed by edible, yellow, ovoid fruits. The bark is initially smooth and grey, becoming rough and black with age, and its durable timber is valued for construction and carving.
Where it works in Kilifi
This indigenous tree is well-suited for coastal Kilifi gardens, thriving in full sun and well-draining loamy soils. It can serve as a valuable shade tree and is appropriate for restoration projects in dry woodland environments, particularly on termite mounds.
Growing notes
Manilkara mochisia is slow-growing and, once established, is drought-tolerant, requiring water only when the soil has almost completely dried out. It prefers well-draining loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH and is known for its durable, termite-resistant timber.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: theferns.info, mozambiqueflora.com, worldagroforestry.org, combonimissionaries.co.uk, combonimissionaries.ie, jstor.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.