Malvaceae
Byttneria fruticosa
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This indigenous species is a shrub or small tree, typically growing between 1.5 and 8 metres tall, with drooping branches. Its leaves are oblong to broadly linear-oblong, usually 6–14 cm long, and feature minute stellate hairs on the veins. It produces pendulous clusters of white flowers that eventually turn pink or pale yellow. The distinctive fruit is an ellipsoid capsule, 1.6–2.3 cm long, covered with widely-spaced, stout spines.
Where it works in Kilifi
Suitable for general garden or landscape use within the Kilifi coast region, thriving in altitudes between 10 and 400 metres. It can be planted as a standalone specimen or integrated into mixed plantings due to its shrub or small tree habit.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: jstor.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.