Myristicaceae
Cephalosphaera usambarensis
Mtambao, Mtambara
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This tall forest tree can reach 12-50 metres, featuring a straight, cylindrical bole often slightly buttressed at the base, and smooth, grey-to-fawn bark. Its oblong-lanceolate leaves are grey and glaucous beneath, while its yellow-green, ellipsoid fruits split open to reveal a seed encased in a creamy aril. Thriving in evergreen rainforests on steep slopes and along rivers between 200 and 1500 metres altitude, it is valued for its easily worked timber used in construction and furniture.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives in wet tropical biomes and montane rainforests, suggesting it is best suited for larger-scale restoration projects or sheltered, consistently moist areas within the Kilifi coast region. While seedlings tolerate shade, mature trees, which can grow very large, will require good light exposure to develop a full canopy.
Growing notes
Once established, young trees may show a fairly fast growth rate, but natural regeneration is often poor, and seeds are recalcitrant, posing challenges for propagation. This rainforest native requires consistent moisture and is vulnerable to over-exploitation in its natural habitat.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: theferns.info, usda.gov, kew.org, prota4u.org, jstor.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.