Rubiaceae
Polysphaeria parvifolia
Mangi-mangi
Shrub
1 small available right now.
About
This species typically grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching up to 12 metres tall, but commonly around 3 metres. It has reddish-brown bark that peels in long strips on older stems. Its leaves are oblong to ovate or nearly round, varying in size, and can be smooth or hairy, particularly underneath. The plant produces dense clusters of practically scentless white or greenish funnel-shaped flowers, which develop into globose, red or orange-red berries, 7–10 mm in diameter, that are edible raw.
Where it works in Kilifi
Native to coastal bushland and scrub, this plant is well-suited for a Kilifi garden in a restoration role or as an informal specimen. It thrives in conditions ranging from sea level to 500 metres in dry evergreen forests and woodlands.
Growing notes
Specific cultivation details are not widely known. Given its natural habitat in seasonally dry tropical biomes, it is likely to be relatively hardy and may tolerate drier conditions once established.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: theferns.info, kew.org, jstor.org, kilifigarden.info.ke, nih.gov. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.