Boraginaceae
Ehretia amoena
Sandpaper Bush
S
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 growing 2-7 meters tall, is easily identified by its rough, sandpaper-like leaves, which are obovate and dark green above. It produces showy, fragrant white flowers in terminal heads, followed by small, fleshy, spherical fruits that ripen to red. Native to seasonally dry tropical climates across coastal Kenya to southern Africa, it is often found in woodlands, bushlands, and riverine thickets, often on sandy or alluvial soils.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for Kilifi-coast gardens, this species thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining, loamy or sandy soils. Its moderate size makes it suitable as a specimen plant, for screening, or for restoration plantings in woodland and bushland areas, attracting birds with its fruit and bees with its flowers.
Growing notes
It exhibits a moderate growth rate and, once established, is remarkably water-wise and drought-tolerant, requiring watering only every 2-3 weeks. This adaptable plant can be pruned during its dormant season to maintain shape and size.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: mozambiqueflora.com, worldagroforestry.org, theferns.info, earthone.io, jstor.org, selinawamucii.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.