Sapotaceae
Sideroxylon inerme
White Milkwood
Small/Medium Tree
7 small available right now.
About
This small to medium evergreen tree reaches 10-15m, featuring a sturdy trunk and a dense, rounded crown. Its leathery, dark green leaves, young branches, and purplish-black, edible berries all contain a milky latex. Small, greenish-white flowers with an unpleasant smell bloom from November to April, followed by fruits that ripen from February to September.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for coastal gardens in Kilifi, it thrives in full sun or semi-shade and adapts to sandy, loamy, or even saline soils, though it benefits from compost. Plant as a specimen for dense shade, in rows for a firebreak or hedge, ensuring at least 5 metres from structures for root and canopy spread. It prefers protection from direct, salt-laden sea winds.
Growing notes
Growth is slow initially, accelerating once established; it requires average water and can tolerate mild drought periods. Young saplings need regular, deep watering, especially in lower rainfall areas. While it tolerates strong winds, protect it from direct sea winds to prevent salt-burn damage.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: sanbi.org, happybynature.com, wikipedia.org, suntrees.co.za, gardeninginsouthafrica.co.za, growingpaper.co.za. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.