Rubiaceae
Catunaregam spinosa
Mountain Pomegranate
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This deciduous shrub or small tree can reach up to 7 metres tall, featuring stout, sharp spines on its branches. Its simple, shiny, ovate leaves are often clustered, while fragrant white flowers turn yellow as they mature. The plant produces yellow, berry-like fruits that are crowned with persistent calyx lobes when ripe.
Where it works in Kilifi
Native to Southeast Kenya, this spiny plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and is well-suited to the seasonally dry tropical biome of the Kilifi coast. It can serve as a specimen plant, a barrier due to its thorns, or for restoration in dry forests and scrublands.
Growing notes
This species exhibits a medium growth rate and is drought-tolerant once established, though it benefits from occasional watering during dry periods. Care should be taken due to its prominent thorns and the fact that its unripe fruits and roots are poisonous.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: nih.gov, pharmacologyjournal.in, efloraofgandhinagar.in, aurovilleherbarium.org, theferns.info, haryanaforestflora.in. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.