Green Heart Tree Nursery
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Capparis tomentosa

Capparaceae

Capparis tomentosa

Woolly Caper Bush · Mkadilume

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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

This thorny, scrambling shrub or small tree is distinctive for its woolly leaves and stems. It produces showy white flowers, often tinged pink, followed by spherical, bright red fruits relished by birds and other wildlife.

Where it works in Kilifi

Ideal for xeriscaping or as a security hedge in full sun, this plant thrives in well-drained soils. It can be trained as a dense, thorny screen or allowed to scramble naturally over rocks and other vegetation, offering excellent habitat and food for local wildlife.

Growing notes

Growing at a moderate to fast rate, it is highly drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal watering. Be mindful of its robust thorns, which necessitate careful placement and handling.

Sources

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