Green Heart Tree Nursery
← All native species
Canthium glaucum

Rubiaceae

Canthium glaucum

Forest Turkeyberry

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Native species libraryNotes pending review

Not currently in the nursery

We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.

About

A lovely small to medium-sized shrub, it features attractive, often glaucous (bluish-green) foliage that provides a cool contrast in the garden. It produces small, fragrant white flowers followed by distinctive, small, edible red-orange fruits that attract birds.

Where it works in Kilifi

Thriving in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, this versatile shrub is excellent for mixed borders, underplanting, or as an attractive specimen. Its dense habit and bird-attracting fruits also make it suitable for wildlife gardens and restoration areas, requiring moderate spacing.

Growing notes

A moderately fast-growing shrub, it establishes well and becomes drought-tolerant once mature, requiring minimal watering. It is generally hardy and low-maintenance, adapting to various conditions prevalent on the Kilifi coast.

Sources

Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.