Fabaceae-Papilionaceae
Aeschynomene sp.
Ambatch
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Ambatch is a large semi-aquatic shrub or small tree, often growing in water and reaching 2 to 9 metres in height. It features a swollen, pithy stem that helps it float and is sometimes armed with spines. Yellow-orange pea-like flowers appear in small clusters, and the plant produces spirally coiled pods up to 14 cm long, which are glandular hairy and jointed.
Where it works in Kilifi
This nitrogen-fixing shrub is ideal for Kilifi-coast gardens near water bodies like ponds or seasonally flooded areas, where it tolerates standing water. It can be used as a striking ornamental, for soil stabilization in wetland restoration, or to enhance soil fertility.
Growing notes
Ambatch thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions and is highly tolerant of temporary flooding, preferring warmer temperatures. It exhibits vigorous growth, but its ability to form dense floating masses should be considered in certain placements as it can clog waterways.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, kew.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw, ngkenya.com, prota4u.org, theferns.info. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.