Boraginaceae
Cordia somaliensis
Somali Cordia
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This medium-sized tree is valued for its striking clusters of fragrant white or cream flowers, which add a beautiful display to the garden. It later bears small, orange-red, edible fruits that attract a variety of local birdlife and other wildlife, making it an excellent choice for biodiversity support.
Where it works in Kilifi
This resilient tree thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an excellent specimen or medium-sized shade tree for larger Kilifi gardens. Its value for wildlife also makes it suitable for ecological restoration plantings and attracting birds.
Growing notes
It exhibits a moderate growth rate and, once established, is remarkably drought-tolerant, requiring minimal supplementary watering. This hardy species is well-adapted to the hot, humid conditions of the Kilifi coast and generally pest-free.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.