Celastraceae
Gymnosporia mossambicensis
Mozambique Spikethorn
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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 is characterised by its distinctive sharp spines and dense, often tangled growth habit. It produces small, creamy-white flowers that mature into tiny, edible orange or red berries, attracting local birdlife.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for coastal gardens, this robust shrub thrives in full sun to light shade and well-drained sandy soils, making it excellent for security hedging or erosion control. Its dense, spiny nature also suits restoration projects for local coastal thickets.
Growing notes
This species exhibits a moderate growth rate and is remarkably drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplementary watering. Extremely hardy and salt-tolerant, it provides an effective barrier but be mindful of its sharp spines.
Sources
Drafted from: Gemini 2.5 Flash. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.