Celastraceae
Gymnosporia mossambicensis
Long-spined maytenus
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Gymnosporia mossambicensis is a multi-stemmed shrub, sometimes growing into a small straggly tree up to 3 metres (or occasionally 8 metres) tall, armed with straight spines up to 8 cm long. It features green, hairless leaves with irregularly toothed margins and produces lax, branched inflorescences of small white flowers for much of the year. The fruit are semi-fleshy, three-lobed capsules, ripening from greenish-white to reddish-brown or carmine, and contain seeds enclosed by a bright orange aril.
Where it works in Kilifi
Well-suited for Kilifi-coast gardens and landscapes, this species thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soils, making it ideal for coastal scrub and forest margin restoration. Its spiny nature makes it an excellent choice for a security hedge, or it can be used as a specimen plant or integrated into thickets and mixed woodlands, tolerating conditions from partial shade to full sun.
Growing notes
This species adapts well to warm, humid, or moist conditions with moderate rainfall once established, preferring well-drained soils. While a specific growth rate is not detailed, its natural habitat in seasonally dry tropical biomes suggests resilience. Its spiny branches warrant careful placement.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: mozambiqueflora.com, sanbi.org, jstor.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw, malawiflora.com, theferns.info. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.