Zygophyllaceae
Balanites aegyptiaca
Desert date · Mchunju
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
A multi-branched, spiny tree typically growing up to 10 metres tall, sometimes reaching 17 metres. It features dark green, compound leaves with two leaflets and a greyish-brown, deeply fissured bark, often with yellow-green patches where it sheds. Small, fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers develop into fleshy, ellipsoid fruits that ripen from green to pale brown, containing a bitter-sweet pulp and a hard stone. The tree is highly valued for its edible fruits and leaves, and for its various traditional medicinal uses.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for hot, dry, full-sun locations in a Kilifi-coast garden or landscape, thriving in well-draining, sandy, and nutrient-poor soils. Its deep taproot makes it suitable for drought-tolerant xeriscaping, providing valuable shade as a specimen tree or in restoration efforts.
Growing notes
This is a slow-growing tree, typically reaching 1-3 metres in three years and 2-5 metres in eight years. Once established, it is extremely drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, though consistent deep watering is beneficial during its first year. It is not frost-tolerant, preferring warm temperatures.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, cabidigitallibrary.org, worldagroforestry.org, nih.gov, feedipedia.org, tishfarrell.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.