Fabaceae-Papilionaceae
Dalbergia nitidula
Glossy flat-bean
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This deciduous shrub or small tree typically grows 4-12 metres tall, often forming an open crown with stiff, erect branches and a multi-stemmed bole. Its dark green compound leaves feature 4-7 (sometimes up to 15) pairs of elliptic leaflets that appear to lack lateral veins. Sweetly scented white pea-like flowers emerge in dense clusters before or with new leaves, followed by flat, papery, indehiscent pods containing 1-2 kidney-shaped seeds.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for restoration projects in woodlands, bushlands, and wooded grasslands on the Kilifi coast, especially on rocky hillsides and sandy soils. It thrives in full sun and can serve as a small specimen tree or within mixed indigenous plantings.
Growing notes
A slow-growing species, Dalbergia nitidula is generally drought-tolerant once established. Propagation is easy from seed, requiring pods to be broken into single-seed pieces and soaked for six hours before sowing; propagation by suckers is also possible. Caution: the roots are highly toxic.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: prota4u.org, google.com, mozambiqueflora.com, theferns.info, worldagroforestry.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.