Chrysobalanaceae
Hirtella zanzibarica
Mwawa
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 or medium-sized tree can reach up to 25 metres tall, featuring dark grey to blackish bark and shining, leathery, lanceolate leaves with raised venation. It produces white flowers in terminal and axillary clusters, followed by obovoid or ellipsoid fruits which ripen from green to red. These 2.5-3.5 cm long fruits contain a sweet pulp that is edible, while its wood is locally used for making utensils and as fuel.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for a Kilifi-coast garden, this adaptable tree thrives in well-drained sandy soils and humid tropical conditions. It can serve as a valuable shade tree due to its dense, wide-spreading crown, or be integrated into restoration plantings within coastal forest settings.
Growing notes
This resilient species is adapted to humid tropical climates with seasonal rainfall. While specific cultivation details are limited, it can be propagated from fresh seeds, thriving in well-drained soils. No significant hazards are known.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: grokipedia.com, theferns.info, mozambiqueflora.com, jstor.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.