Lamiaceae
Gmellina arborea
Gmelina
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Gmelina is a fast-growing, deciduous tree native to South and Southeast Asia, typically reaching up to 30 meters, with a straight trunk and grayish-white bark that exfoliates in flakes. Its large, heart-shaped leaves are opposite, and it produces fragrant, trumpet-shaped yellow to orange-yellow flowers followed by edible, roundish orange-yellow drupes. Valued for its lightweight yet durable timber, it is widely used in furniture, construction, and for pulp, and is also planted for shade, fodder, and soil improvement.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives in warm coastal climates with moderate to high rainfall and fertile, well-drained loamy soils, making it suitable for Kilifi. It requires full sun and can be planted as a fast-growing shade tree, a windbreak, for reforestation, or as a specimen, allowing 3-4 metres between trees for optimal growth.
Growing notes
This is a very fast-growing tree, capable of reaching 2-3 metres annually under good conditions. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant, requiring watering every 2-3 weeks, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging. Young trees are sensitive to weed competition and require regular weeding and pruning for optimal form.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: winrock.org, growbilliontrees.com, wikipedia.org, beyondforest.org, planetayurveda.com, pfaf.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.