Sapindaceae
Lepisanthes senegalensis
Senegal cherry
T
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This evergreen shrub or small to medium-sized tree can reach up to 16 metres tall, featuring a dense, spreading crown. It has leathery, elliptic leaves, and produces small, greenish-cream flowers followed by ovoid, fleshy fruits that ripen to crimson or dark purplish-red. The fruits contain black seeds and are edible, though the seeds are considered toxic in quantity.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for a Kilifi-coast garden, this tree thrives in moist, well-drained, sandy, rocky, or coral soils, tolerating full sun to partial shade. It can be planted as a specimen tree for its dense, spreading crown, or used for shade and coastal forest restoration.
Growing notes
Propagate from fresh seeds, which typically germinate within 1-2 months. Once established, it is drought tolerant but benefits from high humidity and regular moisture. Caution: The seeds are potentially toxic if ingested in quantity, and the flowers are known to be a fish poison.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: theferns.info, grokipedia.com, kew.org, mozambiqueflora.com, worldagroforestry.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.