Rhamnaceae
Lasiodiscus pervillei subsp. ferrugineus
Red-hair Bush
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This species is a shrub or small tree, typically growing 3-12 metres tall, though it can reach up to 24 metres. It features pale grey, rough bark and young shoots, petioles, and growing points covered in distinctive rusty hairs. Its leaves are opposite, elliptic to ovate, 7-14 cm long, with glossy dark green upper surfaces, prominent pale green veining below, and finely crenate-serrate or glandular-crenulate margins. Small, whitish to creamy-yellow flowers are borne in congested axillary clusters, followed by hairy, subglobose to three-lobed golden-brown fruits, approximately 6-10 mm in diameter.
Where it works in Kilifi
Native to coastal sand forests, dry evergreen rainforests, and forest understories in lowland coastal Kenya, this plant is well-suited for gardens in Kilifi. It thrives in partial shade with well-drained, sandy soils, making it ideal for woodland restoration or as an understorey specimen or screen.
Growing notes
Adapted to humid tropical zones, it can also tolerate somewhat drier microhabitats once established. As a tropical species, it is not tolerant of cold temperatures.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: Current time information in Kenya., mozambiqueflora.com, grokipedia.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.