Combretaceae

Terminalia brownii

Red Pod Terminalia · Mbarao

Canopy/Emergment Tree

Common species

Size

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About

Terminalia brownii is a semi-deciduous tree reaching 2.5-25 metres tall, often presenting a distinctive layered appearance when young and maturing into a broad, spreading crown. Its oval leaves, typically 7-16 cm long with hairy undersides, turn a vibrant red before falling. The tree produces unpleasantly scented, creamy-white flowers in spikes, followed by distinctive winged, purplish-red to brown fruits up to 5 cm long.

Where it works in Kilifi

Ideal for a Kilifi-coast garden, this drought-tolerant tree thrives in full sun and well-drained sandy or loam soils. It serves excellently as a shade tree, a striking specimen plant, or for restoration projects due to its ability to improve soil health through leaf fall and its resistance to termites.

Growing notes

This species is generally considered fairly fast-growing on good sites and highly drought-resistant once established. While it tolerates a wide range of rainfall, consistent moisture during establishment will aid growth. Young trees require protection from browsing livestock.

Sources

Researched with web grounding from: cabidigitallibrary.org, worldagroforestry.org, fao.org, plantnet.org, ku.ac.ke, theferns.info. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.