Chrysobalanaceae
Parinari excelsa
Guinea plum · Mbula
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Parinari excelsa is a large evergreen tree, reaching up to 50 metres tall, featuring a rounded or flattened crown and often buttressed trunk. Its leathery leaves are ovate or oblong-elliptical, with dense brown or grey hairs on the underside. It produces brownish, hairy panicles of pinkish flowers, followed by ellipsoid drupes that ripen to a yellowish or reddish-brown colour.
Where it works in Kilifi
This large shade tree is suitable for ample garden spaces or landscape restoration projects, thriving in sunny spots with well-draining, sandy soils. It is naturally found in dry evergreen forests and gallery forests, and can also be incorporated into agroforestry systems.
Growing notes
A fast-growing evergreen, Parinari excelsa prefers consistently moist soil, requiring watering about once a week once established, though it can tolerate short dry spells. Germination from seed can be slow, taking between two months to three years, but it can also be propagated from wildlings or root suckers.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, cabidigitallibrary.org, theferns.info, prota4u.org, picturethisai.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.