Apocynaceae
Funtumia africana
African Rubber Tree
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This handsome, medium to large evergreen tree is characterised by its straight trunk, smooth grey bark, and dark green leaves. It produces interesting creamy-white, star-shaped flowers followed by distinctive woody pods.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal as a specimen or shade tree in larger Kilifi gardens, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. Its robust nature also makes it suitable for reforestation projects.
Growing notes
This tree exhibits a moderate to fast growth rate and, once established, requires only moderate watering, showing good drought tolerance. It is well-suited to the coastal climate, but its milky latex can be an irritant.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.