Ancistrocladaceae
Ancistrocladus robertsoniorum
L
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Ancistrocladus robertsoniorum is a vigorous, woody liana native to coastal evergreen forests in southeastern Kenya. It climbs high into trees, reaching over 20 metres in length, using hooked thorns on its lateral stems for support. The narrowly obovate-elliptic leaves can be substantial, with some reaching up to 50 cm long, and appear reddish-brown when young. It produces small flowers with yellow petals that fade to buff, followed by distinctive chestnut-brown fruits featuring unequal, wing-like sepals.
Where it works in Kilifi
This powerful liana is best suited for ecological restoration projects or as a robust specimen climber in large Kilifi-coast gardens, providing substantial canopy cover. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy soils, requiring ample space and strong support to ascend.
Growing notes
Propagate this perennial from cuttings, ensuring well-drained, sandy soil for rooting. Consistent watering and regular fertilisation every 2-3 weeks are recommended during the active growing season. Once established, it exhibits good drought tolerance, requiring less frequent watering.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: selinawamucii.com, blogspot.com, kew.org, iucn.org, picturethisai.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.