Salvadoraceae
Dobera loranthifolia
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This is an unarmed, much-branched evergreen tree, typically growing 5–15 metres tall, often with a bushy rounded or conical crown. It features variable bark, which can be black and flaky, pale grey and fissured, or smooth. Its small, greenish-white flowers develop into ellipsoid, wrinkled, yellow-green fruits, which are edible after boiling, and the kernel can be used in traditional medicine.
Where it works in Kilifi
This tree thrives in full sun and is well-suited for dry, sandy, or alluvial soils common along the Kilifi coast. It can be planted as a specimen or shade tree in larger gardens and is ideal for restoration in arid and semi-arid landscapes.
Growing notes
This species is adapted to seasonally dry tropical biomes and arid places, indicating it is drought-tolerant once established. Young trees will require consistent watering during establishment, but mature plants need minimal supplementary water.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: mozambiqueflora.com, jstor.org, helloplants.org, kew.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.