Metteniusaceae
Apodytes dimidiata
White pear · Mlambusi mbage
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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 typically grows to 5m but can reach 20m in deep forest, with dense, shiny bright-green foliage and smooth, grey bark. It produces abundant small, fragrant white flowers followed by distinctive black, kidney-shaped fruits with a scarlet fleshy appendage. Young terminal branchlets and leaf stalks often exhibit a reddish hue.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for a Kilifi-coast garden, this species thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. It serves well as a specimen tree, for year-round shade, or as a hedge, and can be planted near paving or pools due to its non-invasive roots and non-messy fruits.
Growing notes
Apodytes dimidiata exhibits a slow to moderate growth rate when young, becoming faster with maturity, potentially reaching a metre per year under ideal conditions. Once established, it requires moderate watering, preferring consistently moist but not waterlogged soil. Young plants need protection from frost in their first year.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, cjmgrowers.co.za, worldagroforestry.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw, blogspot.com, wildflowernursery.co.za. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.