Poaceae
Olyra latifolia
carrycillo
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This is a robust perennial, woody grass or herbaceous bamboo that can reach up to 5 metres in height, often with glossy, erect or arching stems. Its ovate-elliptic to ovate-oblong leaves, measuring 10-20 cm long and 3-7 cm wide, feature an abruptly pointed tip and an asymmetrically rounded base that narrows into a short, hairy pseudo-petiole. The plant produces a terminal panicle of flowers, where female spikelets with hard, shining white florets mature to about 5-6 mm long.
Where it works in Kilifi
It thrives in the understory and edges of evergreen and riverine forests, as well as along streams and roadsides, often in well-drained to somewhat poorly drained soils. In a Kilifi-coast garden, it would be suitable for shaded or semi-shaded areas, particularly for forest restoration projects or as an understory plant in mixed plantings.
Growing notes
This species can be propagated from culms, rhizomes, or seeds, with seeds requiring no special treatment for storage. Once established, it is a robust and persistent perennial, preferring consistent moisture in wet tropical biomes.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: kew.org, wikipedia.org, hear.org, worldagroforestry.org, malawiflora.com, mozambiqueflora.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.