Arecaceae
Borassus aethiopum
African Fan Palm · Mvumo
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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 iconic African palm grows as a solitary tree, reaching up to 25 metres, often developing a distinctive bottle-shaped trunk with age. Its crown consists of large, rigid, fan-shaped leaves, up to 3.5 metres long, with sharp thorns along the petioles. It produces large, ovoid, orange to brown fruits, each containing a fibrous pulp and typically three hard-coated seeds.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for large, open tropical gardens or landscapes in full sun, this palm thrives in well-drained, sandy to alluvial soils. It serves well as a specimen tree or for restoration in coastal woodlands, tolerating areas with high groundwater tables and providing an excellent firebreak. Allow ample space, at least 3m x 3m, for its mature crown.
Growing notes
This slow-growing, long-lived palm can live over 100 years and is highly drought-tolerant once established. Seeds should be sown directly due to the long taproot, making transplanting difficult. Both male and female trees are required for fruit production.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: worldagroforestry.org, wikipedia.org, echocommunity.org, pfaf.org, bloompots.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.