Capparaceae
Maerua holstii
L
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This straggling or scrambling shrub typically grows up to 3 metres tall. Its young twigs are densely covered with distinctive bristly, yellowish-brown hairs. The leaves are trifoliate, meaning they have three leaflets, which are obovate to oblong-obovate, measuring between 2–8.5 cm long and 1.5–5.5 cm wide. It produces cream-coloured flowers, about 5 mm long, featuring numerous prominent, rigidly exserted stamens, followed by green, subspheroid, densely warty fruits up to 4 cm in diameter.
Where it works in Kilifi
As a scrambling shrub native to coastal Kenya, including Kwale and Lamu districts, this species is well-suited for restoration projects or informal hedges in Kilifi. It thrives in altitudes between 30 and 450 m, suggesting adaptability to dry coastal conditions and can be placed in full sun with well-drained soil.
Growing notes
Specific growing notes for this species are limited in the available sources. However, as a member of the Maerua genus, it is likely to be drought-tolerant once established and will prefer well-drained soil.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: jstor.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.