Annonaceae
Monodora junodii
Green-apple
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Monodora junodii is a shrubby small tree, typically growing up to 7 metres tall, featuring smooth grey bark and shiny emerald green, hairless leaves that are oblong or widest beyond the middle. It produces striking solitary, orchid-like flowers, which can be green or yellow-green with liver-coloured spots, or entirely reddish-brown to wine-red. The fruit is a grey-green, lumpy-roundish berry, up to 55 mm in diameter, which is edible but not palatable, with seeds often used for necklaces. This species is native to eastern and southern Africa, including southeastern Kenya, where it is found in sand forests, dry woodlands, and coastal forests on rocky outcrops.
Where it works in Kilifi
This species thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil, preferring a warm climate with moderate to high rainfall. It is well-suited as a feature plant in a small garden or as part of a bush clump in a Kilifi-coast landscape, particularly in areas mimicking its natural sand forest or dry woodland habitats.
Growing notes
Monodora junodii is generally considered difficult to establish and grows slower than most other shrubby plants. It is frost-sensitive and requires consistent moisture once established, preferring moderate to high rainfall.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: sanbi.org, grokipedia.com, wikipedia.org, mozambiqueflora.com, malawiflora.com, silverhillseeds.co.za. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.