Rubiaceae
Catunaregam nilotica
Kekonyu
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This spiny, deciduous shrub or small tree typically grows 3 to 8 metres tall, featuring pale to grey, smooth branches armed with solitary spines. Its obovate leaves are clustered on short spur shoots, and white flowers, fading to creamy yellow, appear one or two per spur shoot. These are followed by round or ellipsoid yellow-brown fruits, measuring 13 to 14 mm long, and the species thrives in seasonally dry tropical biomes.
Where it works in Kilifi
Suitable for full sun in a Kilifi-coast garden, it thrives in well-drained soils found in dry forests and scrublands. This thorny plant can be used as a specimen or in restoration projects for dry, degraded areas, requiring adequate spacing for its mature size.
Growing notes
Adapted to arid and seasonal environments, this species is drought-tolerant once established. It typically reaches 3 to 8 metres in height and requires careful placement due to its distinctive spines.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: grokipedia.com, kew.org, qjure.com, jstor.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.