Asparagaceae
Dracaena mannii
Small-leaved dragon tree
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Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Dracaena mannii is an evergreen plant varying from a shrub to a medium-sized tree, sometimes reaching up to 35 metres tall. Its distinctive bark is white and papery when young, becoming smooth and grey with age, marked by crescent-shaped leaf scars. Leaves are linear to narrowly oblong-elliptic, typically clustered at branch ends, and flowers are sweetly fragrant, cream or white, opening at night.
Where it works in Kilifi
This versatile plant thrives in Kilifi's lowland moist forests, forest edges, and coastal dunes. It prefers bright, indirect light to medium shade and well-draining, neutral to acidic soil, making it suitable as an ornamental specimen, a privacy hedge, or for forest restoration efforts.
Growing notes
A slow-growing species, Dracaena mannii prefers consistent, moderate watering, allowing the top soil to dry out between applications to prevent root rot. It is drought-tolerant once established and not frost-tolerant.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, biodiversityexplorer.info, theferns.info, zimbabweflora.co.zw, gardeners.com, plantscapelive.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.