Rubiaceae
Gardenia volkensii
Bushveld Gardenia · Mkimwemwe
T
Available in our catalogue
We propagate this species and you can order it from our catalogue.
View in catalogue →About
A small to medium deciduous tree, typically 3-8 metres tall, with a dense, rounded crown and pale grey, smooth bark that becomes mottled with age. Its glossy, spoon-shaped leaves often appear in whorls of three at the ends of knobbly branchlets. Large, showy, trumpet-like flowers are white, turning yellow as they mature, and release a sweet scent, followed by distinctive round to oval, greyish-green, ribbed fruits that persist on the tree.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils, making it suitable for Kilifi-coast gardens. Its non-aggressive root system allows for placement as a specimen tree in small gardens or on patios, within open woodland or bushland settings.
Growing notes
Growth rate is relatively slow, but once established, it is fairly drought-resistant. Young plants require regular watering during their first season. It is not frost-resistant and prefers warm temperatures; avoid waterlogging as it is susceptible to root rot. The fruit may be poisonous.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: sanbi.org, wikipedia.org, worldagroforestry.org, blogspot.com, grokipedia.com, wildflowernursery.co.za. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.