Boraginaceae
Cordia monoica
Sandpaper Cordia · Mkamasi
T
Available in our catalogue
We propagate this species and you can order it from our catalogue.
View in catalogue →About
This small to medium-sized tree is notable for its distinctly rough, sandpaper-like leaves and attractive clusters of white flowers. It produces small, orange, edible fruits that are a favourite of local birds and people.
Where it works in Kilifi
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soils, this adaptable tree makes an excellent specimen or understory planting, attracting birds with its fruits. It is suitable for general garden use and restoration projects on the Kilifi coast.
Growing notes
This tree exhibits a moderate growth rate and is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering. It is very hardy and resilient to typical coastal conditions, making it a low-maintenance choice.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.