Capparaceae
Boscia mossambicensis
Shave bush
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This resilient small to medium evergreen tree is known for its pale, often mottled bark and dense canopy of leathery leaves. It produces clusters of fragrant, greenish-yellow flowers followed by small, edible yellow-orange fruit.
Where it works in Kilifi
An excellent choice for hot, dry areas on the Kilifi coast, thriving in full sun and various soil types including sandy or rocky ground. It works well as a hardy specimen tree, for moderate shade, or in restoration plantings, requiring minimal spacing from structures.
Growing notes
Once established, this tree is remarkably drought-tolerant, requiring very little supplemental water and maintaining a moderate growth rate. It is an exceptionally low-maintenance and robust species, well-suited to the coastal climate.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.