Zygophyllaceae
Balanites pedicellaris
small green-thorn, small torchwood · Mhadana
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This species grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, reaching up to 6 metres tall, often with simple green spines on its yellowish or greyish-green branches. Its pale green, rather fleshy leaves are bifoliolate, with obovate leaflets. Small greenish-white flowers develop into round or ellipsoid drupes, which are initially downy and turn orange when ripe.
Where it works in Kilifi
Well-suited for dry woodland and scrub areas on the Kenya Coast, this species thrives in dry shrubland biomes and can adapt to sandy, alluvial, and stony soils. It is ideal for restoration plantings in arid and semi-arid gardens, as well as providing browse for animals.
Growing notes
Once established, this tree is highly drought-tolerant and generally grows at a slow rate. While leaves can be used as animal fodder and cooked seeds are a food source in some areas, fresh fruits are toxic and bitter, causing thirst, dizziness, and vomiting if consumed.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, mozambiqueflora.com, kiddle.co, kew.org, worldagroforestry.org, earthone.io. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.