Gentianaceae
Anthocleista grandiflora
Forest fever tree · Mkungu-maji, mtambuu-mwitu
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This evergreen tree grows 5-35 metres tall with a slender, straight, smooth, light grey trunk. It features exceptionally large, paddle-shaped, stiff, leathery leaves, often over a metre long, clustered at the ends of branches. Fragrant, creamy-white, trumpet-shaped flowers emerge in terminal branched clusters, followed by fleshy, oval to egg-shaped green berries that ripen to yellowish-brown.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for a Kilifi-coast garden, this species thrives in warm, well-watered conditions with deep, fertile, well-drained loamy or peaty soil. It can be planted in full sun or partial shade, serving as an excellent specimen or shade tree, particularly along streams or near pools to create a lush, tropical aesthetic. Its roots are not aggressive.
Growing notes
A fast-growing species, young trees can reach nearly 5 metres within four years under ideal conditions. It is very water-loving and requires consistent, deep watering, especially when young and during dry periods, as it languishes under dry conditions. The tree can produce root suckers.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: cjmgrowers.co.za, sanbi.org, grokipedia.com, wikipedia.org, rwandaflora.com, plantnet.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.