Capparaceae
Cladostemon kirkii
Three-finger bush, Tonga-kierie
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Cladostemon kirkii is a small deciduous tree, typically growing up to 6 metres tall, though it can reach 10 metres. It features distinctive trifoliolate leaves with shiny green, thinly textured leaflets. The sweetly scented, asymmetrical flowers are white with pink veins, turning yellow as they age, and are followed by conspicuous, gourd-shaped fruits that are buff-brown and emit an unpleasant odour when picked.
Where it works in Kilifi
This indigenous tree thrives in Kilifi's lowland dry forests, woodlands, and secondary scrub, preferring sandy soils and full sun. It serves as an excellent specimen tree, valued for its unique flowers and fruits. Allow at least 2 metres of spacing from any paving.
Growing notes
A moderately drought-tolerant species, Cladostemon kirkii is sensitive to cold and should be protected from frost, although it can tolerate temperatures down to -2°C. It is best planted in open ground rather than pots. Occasional pruning promotes branching and more prolific flowering, with blooms typically appearing once a year in spring.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, sanbi.org, zambiaflora.com, helloplants.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.