Phyllanthaceae
Bridelia cathartica
Mkalakala, Mnembenembe, Mkarati
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Bridelia cathartica is a highly variable plant that can grow as a scrambling shrub or a small tree, reaching up to 7-9 metres in height. It features alternate, obovate to elliptic-oblanceolate leaves that are dark shiny green on the upper surface and grey-green to blue-green underneath. Small, greenish-yellow flowers develop in clusters in the leaf axils, followed by soft, oval, purple-black fruits up to 8 mm, which are sweet and edible when ripe.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species is well-suited for coastal gardens and landscapes, thriving in sandy soils, coastal bush, and dune environments. It can tolerate full sun to light shade, making it a versatile choice for ecological restoration or as a robust specimen plant in appropriate settings.
Growing notes
Adapted to seasonally dry tropical biomes, Bridelia cathartica can thrive in various conditions from sea level up to 2000 m. While the fruits are edible, the species name 'cathartica' refers to its purgative properties, so caution should be exercised if considering internal consumption of any plant parts.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: theferns.info, worldagroforestry.org, cabidigitallibrary.org, sanbi.org, capriviflora.com, kew.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.