Celastraceae
Elaeodendron schlechterianum
Large-leaved saffron
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching up to 6 metres tall, has leathery, dark green leaves that are often glossy. Its bark is dark grey to almost black and smooth, with young branches displaying reddish-brown to grey hues and prominent lenticels. Small, whitish, bell-shaped flowers appear in dense, axillary heads, followed by smooth, ellipsoid to subglobose fruits that mature from white to dark red or brown.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for Kilifi-coast gardens, it thrives in sunny locations and well-drained, alluvial soils. It can serve as an ornamental specimen, part of a hedge, or in restoration plantings within woodland and forest habitats.
Growing notes
Propagate by seed or cuttings, sown or planted in moist, well-drained soil during spring or summer. Once established, it is found in seasonally dry tropical biomes and dry deciduous woodlands, suggesting a good degree of drought tolerance.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: selinawamucii.com, mozambiqueflora.com, zimbabweflora.co.zw, zambiaflora.com, nih.gov, kew.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.