Fabaceae-Papilionaceae
Dalbergia melanoxylon
African blackwood · Mpingo
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This deciduous small to medium-sized tree typically grows 4-15 metres tall, often multi-stemmed and spiny with pale grey bark that flakes with age. It features pinnately compound leaves and fragrant white, pea-shaped flowers produced in dense clusters, followed by small, papery pods. The heartwood is highly prized for its dense, dark purple-black colour, sharply contrasting with the yellowish-white sapwood, and is exceptionally hard and durable.
Where it works in Kilifi
African blackwood thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various well-drained soils, including loamy sands, clays, and black cotton soils found in coastal regions. With its extensive root system and nitrogen-fixing ability, it is excellent for restoration, windbreaks, or as a distinctive specimen tree in a garden. Plant with adequate spacing, as mature trees can spread up to 9 metres.
Growing notes
This species is notably slow-growing, taking 70-100 years to reach timber size. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture and benefits from a dry season dormancy. Seedlings require shade for the first two weeks and intensive weeding to ensure successful establishment.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: blackwoodconservation.org, pfaf.org, sanbi.org, wikipedia.org, worldagroforestry.org, usda.gov. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.