Bignoniaceae
Markhamia obtusifolia
Golden Bean Tree · mtarawanda
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This deciduous shrub or small to medium-sized tree grows up to 15 metres tall, featuring light brown to grey bark that develops longitudinal striations with age. Its compound leaves comprise 3–5 pairs of elliptic leaflets, densely covered in golden hairs when young. Showy, bright yellow, funnel-shaped flowers with reddish-brown streaks appear in terminal panicles, followed by long, flattened, sickle-shaped capsules containing winged seeds.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for Kilifi Coast gardens, this species thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained, moderately fertile, sandy soils, including those on termite mounds. It can serve as an ornamental specimen, a shade tree, or be integrated into restoration and agroforestry plantings, even alongside crops.
Growing notes
A fairly fast-growing tree, it is adapted to drier conditions and requires watering once every 2-3 weeks once established, avoiding waterlogging. Fresh seeds germinate well within 2-3 weeks, and the plant responds well to coppicing.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: grokipedia.com, treesa.org, worldagroforestry.org, zimbabweflora.co.zw, malawiflora.com, plantnet.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.