Euphorbiaceae
Macaranga capensis
River Macaranga · Mkalanga, Mlanga-makelele, Mbawa
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Macaranga capensis is a medium to large deciduous tree, growing up to 25m, featuring a rounded, spreading crown. Its stem is often straight and armed with short spines. The large, shiny, dark green leaves are ovate to triangular-ovate, sometimes peltate at the base, and small, honey-scented, creamy-yellow flowers form in panicles. The fruit is a small, single-lobed capsule.
Where it works in Kilifi
This fast-growing pioneer is suitable as a shade or specimen tree in Kilifi-coast gardens, especially in tropical settings or along watercourses for soil conservation. It thrives in well-drained soil with bright, indirect light to partial sun, in areas mimicking its natural occurrence in coastal rainforests above 300m altitude.
Growing notes
Expect a fast growth rate of at least 1m per year. Once established, it requires consistent moisture and prefers high humidity, though it tolerates brief dry spells. It is light-demanding and fire-resistant.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: sanbi.org, mozambiqueflora.com, wikipedia.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw, prota4u.org, picturethisai.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.