Hernandiaceae
Gyrocarpus americanus
Propeller tree · Mbamba-mweupe, mbawa, mbomba
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Available in our catalogue
We propagate this species and you can order it from our catalogue.
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This slender, deciduous tree can reach heights of up to 20 metres, featuring smooth, grey bark that often bleaches to a silvery-white on the sunny side. Its spirally arranged leaves are typically three-lobed, dark green above and paler, velvety grey-green below with yellowish veins. The small, yellowish-green flowers are clustered in heads and emit an unpleasant scent; these develop into distinctive woody nuts with two long, thin, paddle-like wings that enable wind dispersal, rotating like a helicopter as they fall.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for hot, dry areas with well-drained sandy soils, this tree thrives in full sun. It makes a striking specimen tree in a Kilifi-coast garden or can be used for restoration purposes in suitable habitats.
Growing notes
A fast-growing species, seedlings can reach 50-100 cm in height within a year in the nursery and are typically ready for planting after two years. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but sensitive to fire and cannot withstand periodic waterlogging. Caution should be exercised as the sap may cause blindness.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, sanbi.org, theferns.info, namibian.com.na, mozambiqueflora.com, worldagroforestry.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.