Rubiaceae
Tarenna drummondii
Drummond's Tarenna
Shrub
11 medium available right now.
About
This glabrous shrub or small tree typically grows 2–7 metres tall. It features elliptic to narrowly obovate leaves, 8–19 cm long, which are moderately shiny above and duller beneath. The plant produces small white, tubular flowers, often with yellow centres, and black, globose fruits about 6 mm in diameter containing 5–7 brownish seeds.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for Kilifi-coast gardens, this species thrives in seasonally dry tropical conditions and is found in coastal forests on nutrient-poor, sandy soils. It can be used as an understory shrub or small tree in a mixed planting scheme.
Growing notes
Propagation is possible by seed or cuttings, with seeds needing warm, well-drained, and moist soil. Once established, it is adapted to periods of water scarcity. Its leaves naturally contain alkaloids, which act as a defense against insect herbivores.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: grokipedia.com, selinawamucii.com, kew.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.