Boraginaceae
Argusia argentea
Tree Heliotrope
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This sprawling evergreen shrub or small tree typically reaches 3-10 metres in height, featuring deeply furrowed grey bark and branches with prominent leaf scars. Its large, light green leaves are covered in dense, silvery hairs, giving them a velvety texture and a distinctive silvery sheen. Small, white to pinkish-white flowers bloom continuously in multi-branched terminal clusters, followed by small, globose, greenish-white to brown fruits that are corky and buoyant.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for coastal gardens and landscapes in Kilifi, this species thrives in full sun and well-drained, sandy or rocky soils, tolerating saline and infertile conditions. It functions excellently as a specimen plant, providing shade, or as a robust hedge and windbreak, especially valuable for shoreline stabilisation and salt spray protection.
Growing notes
A slow-growing plant, typically achieving less than 0.75 metres per year, it is highly drought-tolerant once established and requires dry to medium moisture. It is hardy in tropical zones (Zone 12 and warmer), tolerating heat, strong winds, and salt spray. Avoid planting in compacted or waterlogged soils to prevent root rot.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: ala.org.au, raskisimani.com, missouribotanicalgarden.org, uog.edu, cqclandcarenetwork.org.au, hawaii.edu. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.