Sapotaceae
Manilkara sulcata
Mchedi, Meteweji
T
Available in our catalogue
We propagate this species and you can order it from our catalogue.
View in catalogue →About
Manilkara sulcata is a small to medium evergreen tree or shrub, typically growing 3-6 metres tall, occasionally reaching up to 20 metres. It features grey, cracked bark and small, shiny dark green, obovate leaves clustered at the branch tips. The pale green flowers develop into greenish, ellipsoid fruits, up to 1.3 cm long, which ripen to a yellowish colour and contain a sweet edible pulp. This species provides hard, heavy wood for building and tools, while its roots and leaves are traditionally used for snakebites and skin ailments.
Where it works in Kilifi
Thriving in coastal bushland and dry evergreen forests on sandy soils, this tree is ideal for Kilifi gardens. It can serve as a specimen, shade tree, or be integrated into restoration efforts in dry coastal landscapes, given its adaptability to full sun and sandy conditions.
Growing notes
Adapted to dry conditions, Manilkara sulcata requires minimal water once established. It is propagated by seed and is naturally hardy to the coastal East African climate, with no known hazards.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: theferns.info, jstor.org, helloplants.org, ethnopharmacologia.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.