Arecaceae
Elaeis guineensis
African Oil Palm · mchikichi
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This tall, single-stemmed palm tree can reach up to 20-30 metres in height, featuring a smooth, greyish-brown trunk and a dense crown of large, pinnate leaves that can be up to 5 metres long. Its leaves are composed of numerous dark green leaflets, often arranged in clusters, with spiny projections along the petiole margins. It produces small, yellowish flowers, which develop into oval fruits, about 4 cm long, that ripen from green to orange or red and are borne in large, heavy bunches. The fruit is the primary source of palm oil and palm kernel oil, widely used in food and various industrial products.
Where it works in Kilifi
In a Kilifi-coast garden, this palm thrives in full, direct sunlight and prefers deep, organically rich, well-drained soils that consistently retain moisture. It serves well as a prominent specimen tree or for providing substantial shade. Ensure generous spacing, such as 9 metres apart, to accommodate its mature size, ideally planted in an elevated area to avoid prolonged standing water, though it tolerates high humidity and moderate salt.
Growing notes
The African Oil Palm exhibits a slow growth rate, particularly in its initial two years as the trunk develops underground, then typically grows upwards at about 75 cm per year. It requires consistently moist soil and has low drought tolerance, necessitating regular watering once established. This species is hardy in USDA Zones 10-12 and has no major reported pests or diseases.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: greeninstitute.ng, britannica.com, worldagroforestry.org, theferns.info, idtools.org, wikipedia.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.